Qureshi, who is accompanied on the two-day official visit by senior officials, led the Pakistani delegation in the strategic dialogue while the Chinese side was led by State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi.During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on the coronavirus pandemic, bilateral relations and international and regional issues of mutual interest, according to a joint press release issued after the dialogue.They also "reached consensus to collectively take measures to safeguard their common interests and promote peace, prosperity, and development in the region", the statement said.
While reiterating that the 'China-Pakistan All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership' is beneficial to international and regional peace and stability, the two sides showed commitment for enhancing mutual strategic trust, strengthening cooperation, maintaining the momentum of high-level exchanges, further advancing the construction of the Belt and Road Initiative, promoting bilateral relationship to a higher level, and delivering greater benefits to both countries and the two peoples.
According to the press release, the Chinese side reiterated that Pakistan and China are "iron brothers" and Pakistan remains China’s "staunchest partner" in the region and that Beijing firmly supports Pakistan in safeguarding its territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence.The Pakistani side, meanwhile, reaffirmed its support to China on affairs concerning China's core interests and issues of major concern "such as those related to Taiwan, Xinjiang, Tibet and Hong Kong".
Both sides underscored that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has entered a "new phase of high-quality development" and will continue to play an important role in supporting Pakistan to overcome the impact of Covid-19 and achieve greater development.They vowed to continue to firmly advance the construction of CPEC, ensure in-time completion of under-construction projects and focus on economic and social development.
The Foreign Office quoted Qureshi as saying that the on-time completion of projects planned under CPEC Phase II "is one of our top priorities".He said the energy projects worth Rs13 billion agreed between China and Pakistan will help further strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries.China says Kashmir should be resolved peacefully
During the dialogue, the Pakistani delegation briefed the Chinese side on the situation in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.The Chinese side reiterated that "the Kashmir issue is a dispute left over from history between India and Pakistan, which is an objective fact, and that the dispute should be resolved peacefully and properly through the UN Charter, relevant Security Council resolutions and bilateral agreements", according to the joint press release, which said "China opposes any unilateral actions that complicate the situation."
While agreeing to deepen coordination and cooperation to safeguard mutual interests, Pakistan and China reaffirmed their support for multilateralism, free trade and win-win cooperation, and opposition to "unilateralism, protectionism and coercive practices".
The two sides agreed that Pakistan and China have "set an example for international community" to jointly fight the Covid-19 pandemic and agreed to further strengthen cooperation in developing a vaccine to defeat the virus and strive to promote establishment of China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future and Community of Common Health.
They opposed politicising the pandemic and "labelling viruses" and called on the international community to increase the sense of "a community of shared future".The two countries agreed to strengthen cooperation on the Afghan issue and encouraged relevant parties in Afghanistan to seize "this historic opportunity" and commence intra-Afghan negotiations at the earliest.China also appreciated Pakistan’s contribution to the Afghan peace process and efforts for promoting peace and stability in the region, according to the statement.
The press release emphasised that the China-Pakistan strategic partnership "remains unaffected by the vicissitudes of the regional and international developments and continues to move from strength to strength".
In a video message released before his departure, Qureshi, who is scheduled to return today (August 21), said he was going on a “very important trip to China” and that he had a discussion with Prime Minister Imran Khan before leaving.
“I am leaving on a very important visit to China. I had a discussion with the prime minister regarding this visit yesterday. My delegation will represent the stance of the political and military leadership of the country. I am hopeful that my meeting with Foreign Minister Wang Yi will prove to be beneficial for both countries,” the foreign minister said.
"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," a Foreign Office statement had said.
Harvey Weinstein retrial begins: Prosecu…
24-04-2025
Harvey Weinstein's retrial commenced in Manhattan, with prosecutors alleging he exploited his power to sexually assault women, disregarding their refusals. The accusations involve incidents from 2006 and 2013, including a...
Read moreWhy Michelle Obama says she’s angrier th…
24-04-2025
Michelle Obama highlighted the emotional burdens Black women face, challenging the "angry Black woman" stereotype and the culture of emotional suppression. She emphasized the lack of mental health support in...
Read moreTaiwan plans $12.6 bn special budget for…
24-04-2025
Taiwan's cabinet unveils a budget of NT$410 billion to tackle US tariffs. President Lai Ching-te aims to protect exporters from a proposed 32 percent US tariff. The budget will support...
Read moreUAE offers free-of-charge portable desal…
24-04-2025
Cyprus will receive portable desalination plants from the UAE to address water shortages exacerbated by a fire at a static plant and low reservoir levels. The UAE's donation will provide...
Read moreKenyan president vows closer ties to Chi…
24-04-2025
Kenyan President William Ruto is strengthening ties with China, amidst trade tensions between Washington and Beijing. Ruto, on a five-day visit to China, seeks to learn from China's development and...
Read moreWatch: Hairstylist cuts 11-year-old's br…
24-04-2025
A Louisiana hairstylist was fired after cutting an 11-year-old's braids when her mother refused to pay a $25 late fee at Draft Picks Barbershop. The incident escalated into a physical...
Read moreGuatemalan vice minister arrested after …
24-04-2025
Guatemalan police detained on Wednesday a deputy minister who led protests against a top public prosecutor at the center of a power struggle with President Bernardo Arevalo, who denounced the...
Read moreSouth Korean truth commission halts prob…
23-04-2025
South Korea's investigation into fraudulent foreign adoptions has been suspended due to internal disagreements among commissioners. The probe, which examined adoptions in Europe, the US, and Australia, confirmed human rights...
Read moreS.Africa welcomes Ukraine's leader in di…
23-04-2025
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visits South Africa. This highlights a change in South Africa's view on Russia's invasion. President Cyril Ramaphosa will host Zelenskyy. South Africa recently supported a UN...
Read moreFrom banning tech to ending sister-city …
23-04-2025
American states are tightening rules on China. Lawmakers have proposed over 240 measures. These aim to block Chinese tech and goods. States want to avoid Chinese influence. Concerns include cybersecurity...
Read morePahalgam Terror Attack: Hindu America Fo…
23-04-2025
“Let’s get this straight,” said Suhag Shukla, Executive Director of the Hindu American Foundation, in a scathing rebuke of international media coverage following the April 22, 2025, terror attack in...
Read moreWhy Trump said he had to 'let go' of Elo…
23-04-2025
Donald Trump acknowledged Elon Musk's planned reduction in his role at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to prioritise Tesla. Trump defended Musk's contributions, dismissing critics and highlighting his innovative...
Read moreTrump doesn’t want Canadian cars — How h…
23-04-2025
Donald Trump criticises Canada's car manufacturing and threatens tariffs. He suggests Canada would struggle without the US. Mark Carney focuses on strengthening Canada's economy. Trump's actions may be boosting support...
Read moreChinese Catholics mourn Pope Francis, mu…
23-04-2025
Following Pope Francis's death at 88, Chinese Catholics gathered to mourn, reflecting on his efforts to bridge the divide between the Vatican and China. The 2018 agreement, allowing joint appointment...
Read moreHong Kong allows outspoken Cardinal Jose…
23-04-2025
Cardinal Joseph Zen, a vocal critic of the Vatican's China policy, was permitted to leave Hong Kong to attend Pope Francis' funeral after a court granted him his passport back...
Read moreWhy was this British man lynched by mob …
23-04-2025
A British national, Michael Hann, was lynched in Ecuador. He was arrested for allegedly killing his friend, Rodrigo Chavez, over a business dispute. Villagers stormed the police station where Hann...
Read moreAlabama to execute a man who said he's g…
23-04-2025
James Osgood, convicted of the 2010 rape and murder of Tracy Lynn Brown in Alabama, is set to be executed by lethal injection. Osgood dropped his appeals, admitting guilt and...
Read moreGunman in 2022 mass shooting at suburban…
23-04-2025
Robert E. Crimo III faced sentencing for the 2022 Chicago parade shooting, after survivors recounted their trauma. Crimo, who pleaded guilty to murder and attempted murder, refused to attend court...
Read moreTwo US marines accused of rape in Japan…
23-04-2025
Two US marines stationed in Okinawa, Japan, face investigation. They are suspected of rape. The incidents occurred on US military bases. One marine is also suspected of injuring a woman...
Read more