Sartaj discusses bilateral, regional ties with his Chinese counterpart

ISLAMABAD: Adviser to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi met in Beijing on Wednesday and expressed satisfaction over the pace of projects being implemented under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Sartaj Aziz is visiting China to attend the 5th Foreign Ministers Meeting of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), said a Foreign Office statement issued here on Wednesday.

During the meeting, Sartaj Aziz and Wang Yi reviewed the Pakistan-China bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional and international developments.

The two sides agreed that the CPEC was an economic game changer and would contribute to the objective of evolving a community of shared destiny by bringing benefits to not only Pakistan and China but to the entire region.

There was complete convergence of views between the two sides on regional and international developments.

It was agreed that Pakistan and China would continue to work closely with the Afghan government in its efforts to bring peace and stability in Afghanistan.

In this context they recognised the importance of promoting the Quadrilateral Consultative Group (QCG) in facilitating an Afghan led and Afghan owned reconciliation process.

The Chinese Foreign Minister conveyed appreciation for the sacrifices of Pakistan in countering terrorism and for its strong resolve in eliminating this menace.

Adviser Sartaj Aziz and Foreign Minister Wang Yi also agreed that on the 65th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations the two countries shall enhance their partnership in areas including people-to-people contacts and parliamentary exchanges, think tanks, academia, media and students.