ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China reaffirmed their firm resolve to further strengthen their time-tested and all-weather strategic cooperative partnership.
Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi met his counterpart State Councilor Wang Yi during a third session of the strategic dialogue in Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province and exchanged views on bilateral strategic, economic and security cooperation, besides other global and regional issues.
Both reached a consensus to collectively take measures to safeguard their common interests and promote peace, prosperity and development in the region. A joint press release shared by Foreign Office Spokesperson said that both sides also discussed COVID-19 pandemic, peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan and international and regional issues of mutual interest.
Both sides reviewed their cooperation on regional and international issues at multilateral forums such as the UN, SCO and ASEAN Regional Forum, and agreed to deepen coordination and cooperation to safeguard mutual interests and uphold principles of fairness and justice.
“Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and support for multilateralism, free trade and win-win cooperation,” it was added.
Both sides underscored that a peaceful, stable, cooperative and prosperous South Asia was in the common interest of all countries. They agreed on the need to settle disputes and issues in the region through dialogue on the basis of equality and mutual respect.
The Pakistan delegation briefed the Chinese side on the deteriorating situation in Jammu & Kashmir, including its concerns, position and current urgent issues.
Afghan situation
Stressing that peace and stability in Afghanistan was vital for socio-economic development, connectivity and prosperity in the region, both sides called on all Afghan stakeholders for comprehensive ceasefire, and work together to achieve broad-based and comprehensive political settlement.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to facilitate and support Afghan peace and reconciliation process for the early realization of a peaceful, stable, united and prosperous Afghanistan which would combat terrorism and live in harmony with its neighbours.
Both sides reaffirmed their support for the peaceful reconstruction of Afghanistan, their readiness to expand economic and trade ties, and support Afghanistan in enhancing its capacity for independent development.
Condemnation of Dasu incident
Offering condolences on the loss of precious lives caused by torrential rains and flooding in Henan province, the Pakistan side expressed hope that with strenuous efforts of the Chinese government, normalcy would be restored soon and affected people would return to their homes.
Both sides vehemently condemned the terrorist attack in Dasu which caused loss of precious lives and injuries to the Pakistani and Chinese workers.
The Pakistan side conveyed its profound condolences and sympathies to the bereaved families, emphasized that the sacrifices of Chinese nationals would not be in vain. They also promised to ensure medical treatment and comfort of the injured.
“Both sides expressed their firm resolve to expose the culprits and their reprehensible designs through the ongoing joint investigation, give exemplary punishment to the perpetrators, ensure comprehensive safety and security of the Chinese projects, nationals and institutions, and prevent recurrence of such incidents,” it was added.
CPEC and COVID-19 situation
Both sides underscored that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has entered the new phase of high-quality development, greatly contributing to the socio-economic development in Pakistan.
They agreed on the need to build health, industry, trade, digital and green corridors. Both sides reviewed with satisfaction the remarkable achievements of CPEC.
The two sides look forward to convening the 10th JCC meeting to jointly promote the high-quality development of the CPEC and move forward the high-quality construction of BRI.
Both sides reviewed with satisfaction their close cooperation in successfully controlling the spread of COVID-19, cooperation in protective and medical equipment, vaccine development and ensuring early post-pandemic economic recovery.
The Pakistan side thanked China for its steadfast support to the vaccination drive in the country and setting up of vaccine facility at the National Institute of Health in Islamabad.
The Chinese side expressed its resolve to continue assisting Pakistan in strengthening its national health systems and dealing with adverse socio-economic impacts of the pandemic.
