Pakistan

FM Qureshi stresses need for meaningful dialogue among regional players

China, Pakistan to hold foreign minister-level strategic dialogue in Beijing on Tuesday

News Desk March 18, 2019

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmodd Qureshi addresses scholars and researchers at the China Institute for International Strategic Studies (CIISS) in Beijing on Monday. PHOTO: PID

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Monday stressed upon the need for a meaningful dialogue between neighbouring countries to ensure peace in South Asia.

He said this while addressing scholars and researchers at the China Institute for International Strategic Studies (CIISS) in Beijing, where he had arrived on a three-day official visit earlier in the day.

The foreign minister highlighted the recent developments in the region and Pakistan’s efforts to defuse tensions with India, said a statement issued by the Foreign Office.

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi says the advent of the second phase of #CPEC will initiate a new era of socio-economic development in Pakistan.
He was speaking at the China Institute for International Strategic Studies in Beijing. pic.twitter.com/vykyQTBcmg
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) March 18, 2019

Commenting on Pakistan-China relations, he termed the all-weather relationship as an anchor for regional stability.

Foreign Minister further said Pakistan and China are not only strong friends, but their relations are based on strategic partnership. He said Pakistan wants peace in the region and desires good relations with all its neighbors.
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) March 18, 2019

Established in 1979 as a non-profit academic organisation, CIISS is one of the most prestigious think tanks of China for its distinctive historical background, diversified multi-domain teams of experts, academic quality and policy influence.

FM Qureshi arrives in China on three-day visit

The foreign minister also met the leadership of CIISS, led by Vice Chairman Major General (retd) Gong Xianfu.

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi took a round of China Institute for International Strategic Studies in Beijing and recorded his impressions in the visitors' book. pic.twitter.com/uMMUTRtwrj
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) March 18, 2019

The address comes a day before the first strategic dialog between foreign ministers of the two countries scheduled in Beijing on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said.

As agreed by the two sides, the dialogue will be co-chaired by State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Pakistani counterpart Qureshi, the spokesperson added.

With additional input from Xinhua news agency