ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi says the Pak-China friendship, which has entered the seventh decade, is emerging as a strong strategic partnership.
He expressed these views in a video statement before leaving for China on a two-day visit on Friday, at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood and senior officials also accompany him.
The Foreign Minister said bilateral strategic agenda would be discussed in his meeting with the Chinese counterpart. He said the two sides would also exchange views on the situation in Afghanistan and the region.
He said a detailed meeting would be held on the progress made so far on the projects related to China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and its future strategy.
The FM expressed confidence that his visit to China would further strengthen bilateral fraternal relations between the two countries.
According to the Foreign Office spokesperson, the visit is part of the high-level exchanges between Pakistan and China.
The FO also noted that this year Pakistan and China were celebrating 70 years of diplomatic relations.
“More than 100 celebratory events have been planned of which over 60 events have already been held so far. These celebrations have immensely contributed to injecting fresh vigour and warmth in the traditional friendship,” the statement said.
“Pakistan and China are the closest friends and staunch partners. The time-tested Pakistan-China relationship 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,” it said.
During the visit, both sides will inter alia discuss further deepening of bilateral relations, focus on cooperation in the high-quality development under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, defence and security cooperation, Covid-19 vaccines, counter-terrorism 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 expand strategic communication and coordination with China on a range of issues.
Moreover, Inter-Services Intelligence Director General Lt Gen Faiz Hameed arrived in Beijing on Friday to hold strategic talks with Chinese officials, sources told Geo News.
Sources said that the DG ISI will hold important talks with the Chinese officials.
It is pertinent to mention that Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi is already in China for a two-day visit.
The visit of high-ranking Pakistani officials holds significance after a tragic incident in Upper Kohistan. Nine Chinese nationals working on Dasu Hydro Power Project were killed when a bus transporting them to the construction site met an accident.
Islamabad has blamed hostile forces behind the Dasu incident, which according to them, was carried out to create misunderstandings between the two countries.
