Beijing, Aug 25 (IANS): China on Tuesday called for joint efforts to step up building of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

At a meeting here between Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli and Chief Minister of Pakistan's Punjab Province Shahbaz Sharif, the Chinese leader hailed the all-weather strategic partnership between the two countries, citing frequent high-level exchanges and fruitful cooperation in various fields, Xinhua reported.

He recalled Chinese President Xi Jinping's successful state visit to Pakistan in April.

Zhang called on both sides to keep close coordination in building the CPEC, to make it benefit the two peoples.

The CPEC, a 3,000-km network of roads, railways and pipelines linking Kashgar in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur and southwest Pakistan's Gwadar Port, is a major project of China's "Belt and Road" initiative.

Shahbaz Sharif expressed appreciation for China's support for Pakistan's economic and social development, adding that his country is ready to cement cooperation with China and promote new progress of the CPEC construction.