Islamabad, Feb 20 (IANS): China has said it would continue to stand firmly behind Pakistan's efforts to uphold its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.

In a joint statement issued at the conclusion of Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain's state visit to Beijing, China appreciated Pakistan's consistent and staunch support on issues relating to China's core interests.

Their joint statement mentioned that Pakistan recognised the East Turkistan Islamic Movement as a terrorist organisation, which posed a common threat to the peace and stability of China and Pakistan.

"China lauds the sacrifices rendered by the Pakistan side in fighting the global scourge of terrorism," Associated Press of Pakistan quoted the statement as saying Thursday.

Hussain is on a visit to China at the invitation of President Xi Jinping Feb 18-21, during which he also met Premier Li Keqiang.

Both countries would jointly strive for more friendly political relations, stronger economic bonds, deeper security cooperation and closer people-to-people contacts, and work together for the goal of "the China-Pakistan community of shared destiny", it said.

The joint cooperation committee on the long-term plan for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor has been activated while the working groups has held successful inaugural sessions.

The leaders of China and Pakistan urged the offices on both sides to work on the economic corridor speedily.

They also agreed to step up cooperation in areas such as agriculture, health, education and public transport, which have a direct bearing on people's lives.