ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORTER
Pakistan and China have reaffirmed their unwavering strategic partnership and committed to deepening bilateral cooperation, particularly through the high-quality development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The reaffirmation came during the sixth round of the China-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue held in Islamabad on Thursday.
The dialogue was co-chaired by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Both sides conducted a comprehensive review of Pakistan-China relations and exchanged views on key regional and global issues.
Senator Ishaq Dar emphasized that Pakistan and China enjoy complete harmony and consensus on major bilateral, regional, and global matters. “Our objective is to enhance bilateral cooperation and elevate CPEC to its next phase,” he said during a joint press briefing.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi described CPEC as the cornerstone of the Pakistan-China strategic partnership. He said that the current priority is the high-quality development of the corridor. Both countries agreed to upgrade CPEC into a “Growth Corridor, People’s Livelihood Corridor, Green Corridor, and Open Corridor.”
Wang Yi highlighted efforts to deepen collaboration in industrial, agricultural, and mineral sectors, while boosting Pakistan’s self-sufficiency and economic strength. He reaffirmed China’s support for key projects such as the development and operation of Gwadar Port, the Karakoram Highway realignment, and welcomed third-party participation in the ML-1 railway project.
The two sides also discussed the outcomes of the recent Pakistan-China-Afghanistan Foreign Ministers’ Trilateral Dialogue held in Kabul. Senator Dar noted that these mechanisms reflect the two countries’ shared commitment to regional peace, stability, and prosperity. He also expressed gratitude to China for its steadfast support in safeguarding Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national dignity.
Both sides agreed to continue close cooperation on multilateral platforms, particularly at the United Nations Security Council, where Pakistan is currently serving a two-year term as a non-permanent member.
Discussions also included preparations for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s upcoming visit to China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit. Additionally, both countries will celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year with a series of commemorative events.
Foreign Minister Wang expressed condolences over the recent devastation caused by heavy rains in Pakistan and announced immediate humanitarian aid. He also commended Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts and expressed confidence in their success. Wang said China appreciates Pakistan’s effective protection of Chinese citizens and entities within its borders.
Responding to a question, Ishaq Dar reiterated that Pakistan’s foreign policy remains unchanged and is based on friendly relations with all nations, grounded in shared values, mutual respect, and equality. He emphasized that China remains the cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy.
When asked about China’s relations with India, Wang Yi clarified that China’s partnerships are not targeted against any third country and do not interfere with other bilateral ties.
As a symbol of growing cooperation, Wang Yi presented Senator Ishaq Dar with a framed photo commemorating the completion of the solarization project at Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. On this occasion, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also gifted 2 million RMB to support the initiative.
