GUANGZHOU: Pakistan and China have expressed firm resolve to synergizing development strategies, pushing forward all CPEC projects in a safe, smooth, and high-quality manner.
This resolve was expressed in a joint statement after a meeting between Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Guangzhou. It was Bilawal’s first official bilateral visit after assuming the office of the foreign minister of Pakistan.
The two sides expressed satisfaction over the steady growth of economic cooperation between China and Pakistan. They agreed that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor has effectively improved Pakistan’s infrastructure and boosted its socio-economic development.
Both the leaders agreed on promoting cooperation in areas such as economy and trade, investment, industry, agriculture, health, and science and technology.
The two sides further agreed that amidst profound regional and international changes, the importance of China-Pakistan strategic relations has assumed even greater significance.
Noting with satisfaction the record bilateral trade achieved last year, the two sides agreed to work together to make optimum use of phase-II of China Pakistan Free Trade Agreement.
They agreed to work together to diversify their trade ties with deepening cooperation in export-oriented sectors in Pakistan and integrating value chains of the two countries.
The two sides termed terrorism as the common enemy of humanity and expressed their determination not to allow anyone to damage China-Pakistan iron brotherhood. They once again strongly condemned the Karachi University Confucius Institute terrorist attack.
They also discussed the Ukraine situation, noting the necessity of being alert to the negative spillovers of the Ukraine crisis, in particular preventing its impact on developing countries, and called on relevant parties involved in the conflict to resolve differences and disputes through diplomacy and dialogue.
They also discussed the latest developments in Afghanistan. They agreed that peace and stability in Afghanistan is vital for regional development and prosperity.
They called upon the Afghan interim government to develop a broad-based and inclusive political structure, adopt moderate and sound internal and external policies, and protect the rights of women and children and ensure that the Afghan soil is not used against any of its neighbours.
Both sides call on the international community to help avert humanitarian crisis and earnestly honor the pledges on Afghanistan’s economic reconstruction and future development.
Bilawal thanked State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi for the hospitality extended to him and his delegation in the finest Chinese tradition of hospitality. Foreign Minister Wang Yi accepted his invitation to visit Pakistan for Pakistan-China Strategic Dialogue.
