Pakistan, China agree to boost economic cooperation

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China agreed to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in industrial, agricultural, and mining sectors and enhance people-to-people contacts and cultural cooperation.

An understanding to this effect was reached during the sixth round of Pakistan-China Strategic Dialogue held in Islamabad on Thursday, which was co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Ishaq Dar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Addressing a news conference along with DPM Dar, the Chinese foreign minister expressed firm support to enhance Pakistan's economic resilience.

Yi said that the current priority for China and Pakistan is high-quality development of an upgraded version of CPEC. He said we will build on our past achievements and referred to the development of more corridors. 

The Chinese FM said both countries will also jointly support the development and operations of Gwadar Port and promote the Karakoram Highway realignment project. He also welcomed the third-party participation in ML-1 project of Pakistan Railways.

Expressing sympathies over the deaths and destruction caused by recent floods in Pakistan, Yi said his country will provide immediate emergency humanitarian assistance for the flood victims.

He said China highly commends Pakistan's tireless efforts and immense sacrifices in combating terrorism. He expressed the confidence that Pakistan's counter-terrorism operations will secure ultimate victory. He said both the countries will also work to deepen their counter-terrorism and security cooperation.

The Chinese FM said China and Pakistan will coordinate closely and meet challenges together given the situation in South Asia and the broader transformation in the world. He said China wants resolution of disputes through dialogue.

The CYi said the ironclad friendship between the two countries is growing from strength to strength. He said this all-weather strategic and cooperative partnership is unbreakable.

Speaking on the occasion, DPM Dar described his talks with his Chinese counterpart as fruitful and substantive. He said the two sides exchanged views on the entire gamut of bilateral relations including CPEC, trade and investment and people-to-people cooperation.

The DPM said the two sides also discussed preparations for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's forthcoming visit to China.

He said the PM will attend the SCO Council of Heads of State Summit and will meet the top Chinese leadership including the Chinese president and the premier. He said Pakistan-China Business-to-Business Investment Conference will also be organized during the PM's visit to China.

The DPM mentioned that Pakistan and China will celebrate the 75th anniversary of establishment of their diplomatic relations next year. He said we have agreed that the two countries will organise a series of events and programs to celebrate this auspicious occasion.

He expressed Pakistan's firm commitment to continue to work with China to elevate this ironclad friendship with a new level of cooperation and collaboration.

The DPM said Pakistan and China enjoy complete unanimity of views and consensus on all important matters. He expressed gratitude to China's firm support to Pakistan for safeguarding its sovereignty, territorial integrity and national dignity. He reaffirmed Pakistan's full support to China on all issues of its core concerns.

Dar emphasised sincere and concerted efforts for settlement of all outstanding issues as per international law and established norms of inter-state relations.

He said the two sides have agreed to continue their close cooperation at the multilateral fora including at the UN Security Council.

‘China to continue working with Pakistan to promote regional peace’ 

The Chinese foreign minister, later in the night, called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad.

During the meeting, PM Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan's desire to deepen bilateral cooperation with China in diverse sectors including trade, investment, ICT, agriculture, industrialization, mines and minerals and other key sectors.

The premier underscored the importance of the CPEC for Pakistan's socio-economic development and its vital role in enhancing regional connectivity, while expressing satisfaction at the steady progress of CPEC Phase-II.

He expressed deep appreciation for the leadership, government and the people of China, for their steadfast support to Pakistan in safeguarding its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national development.

The premier reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering support for China on its core issues and reiterated Pakistan's commitment to further deepen its all-weather strategic cooperative partnership with China, as envisioned by the leadership and aspired by the peoples of the two countries.

He lauded President Xi Jinping's visionary leadership and his role in strengthening the ironclad friendship between Pakistan and China.

Recalling his most cordial and productive meeting with President Xi during his visit to Beijing last year, the premier said that he is greatly looking forward to his upcoming visit to Tianjin and Beijing, where he would participate in the SCO CHS meeting, as well as the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance and the World Anti-Fascist War.

He looked forward to his meeting with President Xi, Premier Li Qiang, as well as other senior Chinese leaders, during the forthcoming visit.

On his part, the Chinese foreign minister emphasised that China regarded Pakistan as an ironclad friend and all-weather strategic partner.

Commending Pakistan's resolute commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity, he affirmed that China would continue working jointly with Pakistan, to promote regional peace, development, and stability.

Yi expressed China's desire to elevate bilateral relations with Pakistan to new heights of cooperation and collaboration.

— With additional input from Radio Pakistan