FM Qureshi departs for China on two-day official visit

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Wednesday departed for China on a two-day official visit. 

According to the Foreign Office, the foreign minister is paying an official visit to lead Pakistani side in Second Round of the China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue.

The Chinese side will be led by State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The first meeting of the Dialogue was held in March last year. During the dialogue, both sides will discuss cooperation on Covid-19, bilateral relations and regional and international issues of mutual interest.

“The visit will play an important role in further strengthening Pakistan-China ‘All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership’ and deepen strategic communication and coordination with China on a range of issues,” said a statement from the foreign office.

“Pakistan and China are the closest friends and staunch partners. Their time-tested friendship is based on unparalleled mutual trust, understanding, and commonality of interests. Both sides are fully committed to building closer China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future,”

During the meeting, the issues of mutual interest, bilateral cooperation, China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects, and regional security will come under discussion.

The foreign minister will also deliberate Chinese President Xi Jinping’s likely visit to Islamabad in meetings with Chinese leaders, they said.

Earlier, diplomatic sources had said that dates are being finalised for Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Pakistan laster this year.

It is expected that the Chinese president will make announcements for further investment plans for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project where he is also likely to address the parliament during his visit.

Earlier, the foreign minister congratulated the ambassador on assuming his responsibilities and assured him of the ministry’s cooperation and support. He appreciated the measures taken by Qatar to curtail the spread of COVID-19 and reduce its impact.

The foreign minister discussed ways and means of enhancing the existing economic cooperation, investment in food security, and other sectors.

He also underscored the important role played by Qatar in the Afghan Peace Process. They also exchanged views on regional and global developments.