FM Qureshi leaves for China on two-day visit

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi will be visiting China today as part of the high-level exchanges between the two countries, the Foreign Office has said.

"On the invitation of the State Councilor and Foreign Minister Mr Wang Yi, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi will visit China from 23-24 July 2021," read an official communique released on Friday.

The statement added that the foreign minister will be accompanied by senior officials. It added that the visit was part of the high-level exchanges between Pakistan and China.

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 (CPEC), 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 will expand strategic communication and coordination with China on a range of issues."

The Foreign Office further stated that, "This year, Pakistan and China are celebrating the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations."

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"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 a fresh vigour and warmth in the traditional friendship," the statement read.

"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," the statement concluded.

'Visit to renew ties'

In a video message prior to his departure, Qureshi said, “I’m leaving for China on a two-day visit today where I will meet Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Mr Wang Yi.

“Secretary foreign affairs [ministry] and other senior officials are accompanying me [during the visit],” he added.

According to the minister, “We will be renewing the ties between Pakistan and China.” He added that a bilateral strategic agenda will be discussed during the meetings.

“The two sides will get to know about each other’s thoughts on Afghanistan and regional situation,” he remarked.

Qureshi further stated that an elaborate session will be held to review the progress on CPEC projects so far and the future strategy.

He hoped the visit will help strengthen the brotherly relations between the two countries.

“Pak-China friendship, which has entered its seventh decade, will show [more] results in the times to come,” the minister concluded.