ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China reaffirmed their strong commitment to the high-quality development of the upgraded China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) during the 6th Strategic Dialogue held on Thursday between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the comprehensive range of Pakistan-China relations and discussed significant regional and global issues. They also explored various aspects of bilateral cooperation, including CPEC 2.0, trade and economic relations, multilateral collaboration, and people-to-people ties.
At the joint press stakeout alongside Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Senator Ishaq Dar emphasised that the two countries share complete unanimity and consensus on all major bilateral, regional, and global matters. “We are pleased with Wang Yi’s vision for enhancing our bilateral cooperation, especially the upgrade of CPEC to its next phase,” Dar remarked.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi characterised CPEC as the cornerstone of the Pakistan-China strategic partnership, stating that the current priority is to advance its high-quality development. He noted that during the 6th Strategic Dialogue, both sides agreed to transform CPEC into “a growth corridor, a livelihood-enhancing corridor, a green corridor, and an open corridor.”
“We will work diligently to strengthen our industrial, agricultural, and mining cooperation to improve the welfare of the Pakistani people, enhance Pakistan’s self-sustained development, and increase its economic resilience,” he added. Wang Yi also expressed China’s support for the development and operation of Gwadar port and the promotion of the KKH realignment project. Furthermore, he welcomed third-party participation in the ML-1 (Main Line Railway) project.
Ishaq Dar highlighted that the strategic dialogues followed the Pakistan-China-Afghanistan Foreign Ministers’ trilateral meeting in Kabul. “These mechanisms demonstrate our shared commitment to promoting regional peace, stability, and prosperity, and to sharing the benefits of the Pakistan-China friendship with other countries in the region and beyond,” he stated.
He also thanked the Chinese foreign minister for China’s steadfast support of Pakistan in safeguarding its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national dignity. The Deputy Prime Minister mentioned that the two sides agreed to maintain close cooperation at multilateral forums, particularly at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), where Pakistan is currently serving a two-year term as a non-permanent member.
“We also discussed the preparations for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s forthcoming visit to China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of State Summit. Next year, we will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, and we have agreed to organise a series of events in this regard,” he added.
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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi warmly welcomed Prime Minister Shehbaz to China for the SCO summit, stating that both sides will jointly prepare to ensure the success of the activities planned for the 75th anniversary of China-Pakistan diplomatic relations next year.
He also expressed sympathy with Pakistan following the heavy rains, assuring that China would provide immediate humanitarian assistance.
Regarding terrorism in Pakistan, Wang Yi commended the country’s tireless efforts in combating it, expressing confidence that Pakistan’s counter-terrorism operations would achieve success. He acknowledged that Pakistan is effectively ensuring the safety of Chinese personnel and institutions within its borders.
In response to a question, Ishaq Dar clarified that Pakistan’s foreign policy would remain unchanged, focusing on establishing friendly relations with all countries based on shared values, mutual respect, and equality for global peace and stability. “China is the cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy, and we are dedicated to further strengthening our bilateral relations,” he emphasised.
Wang Yi, in response to another query, stated that China’s partnership with India is not aimed at any third party and emphasised that no other country would be affected by these relations.
Later, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi presented a framed picture to DPM/FM Ishaq Dar to commemorate the completion of the solarisation of the Pakistan Foreign Office project. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs also gifted 2 million RMB to Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which was utilised for the solarisation of the foreign office.
