ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has once again assured Pakistan of China’s strong and lasting support for its sovereignty, unity, and development goals.
In a meeting held in Beijing with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Wang Yi described Pakistan as an “ironclad friend” and a trusted, all-weather strategic partner. He said China wishes to take the partnership with Pakistan to even greater levels of cooperation and mutual support.
He praised Pakistan for its firm stance in defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and reaffirmed China’s commitment to work closely with Pakistan to promote peace, development, and stability in the region.
Ishaq Dar, in turn, thanked the Chinese leadership and people for always standing by Pakistan, especially in matters concerning its national sovereignty, security, and right to self-defence.
He also repeated Pakistan’s full backing for China on its key national interests, stressing the country’s desire to strengthen its long-standing All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership, a goal shared by both countries’ leaders and citizens.
Both countries shared their observations on how their relations were improving and were satisfied with the progress made.
It was decided to increase cooperation in the main areas such as trade, investment, information technology, farming and developing industrial sectors.
The importance of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) for increasing regional connectivity and helping the region’s economy was greatly emphasised. Both leaders were happy with how smoothly the project was being executed in Phase II.
They pointed out that future CPEC endeavours involving nations outside the CPEC dialogue could bring benefits to all participants.
At the end of the meeting, it was agreed by both sides to stay in touch and cooperate closely in different global forums to achieve their common goals for peace, security and sustainable development in the region.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar had left for Beijing, China, on a three-day official trip, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday.
