Pakistan, China 'all-weather strategic co-operative partners' for peace: Qureshi

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said that Pakistan and China are “all-weather strategic co-operative partners” and remain committed to promoting peace, stability and development in the region.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFa) on Thursday, he expressed these view during a meeting with Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of SCO Council of Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Moscow.

It was underlined during the meeting that BRI and SCO complement each other through enhancing regional connectivity, promoting trade and deepening people-to-people exchanges.

The statement said that bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest were discussed during the meeting.

The foreign minister expressed the resolve to implement the consensus reached during the second round of strategic dialogue between foreign ministers of Pakistan and China held in Hainan last month.

FM Qureshi reiterated that Pakistan remains committed to “One China policy” and stands firmly behind China on core issues of its national interest.

He also emphasised that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan is important for peace and stability in the region and beyond.

He reaffirmed that Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace and reconciliation process is critical in restoring regional peace and stability.

Qureshi also emphasized that India’s expansionist and unilateral actions, particularly since 5 August 2019, have been imperilling regional peace and security.

He underlined that BRI and CPEC would contribute positively to post-Covid economic recovery. Pakistan and China were taking relevant measures which will help timely completion of CPEC projects that will be a catalyst for growth and prosperity in the region.