China vows high quality construction of CPEC

FM Qureshi meets Chinese counterpart at third round of Foreign Ministers Strategic Dialogue

BEIJING/CHINA:

Pakistan and China had agreed to continue high-quality construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and strengthen coordination on international and regional affairs during the third round of Foreign Ministers Strategic Dialogue, the Chinese foreign ministry said on Monday.

The dialogue was held in, southwest China’s Sichuan Province last week, in which Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and China’s State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi led the delegations of their respective countries.

The two sides held an in-depth exchange of views on international and regional issues of common interest, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian told his regular briefing in Beijing.

He said that Foreign Minister Wang pointed out that since the establishment of the bilateral diplomatic ties 70 years ago, the two countries had worked together to overcome many obstacles and forged “an iron-clad friendship and an all-weather strategic partnership” of cooperation.

“A high degree of mutual trust, mutual assistance, seeking peace and promoting development together are the most distinctive features of the bilateral relations and greatest strength in moving forward together,” Zhao added.

Read Pakistan to continue advancing CPEC, ensure timely completion of projects: Qureshi

He added that the Chinese side was willing to work with Pakistan to take the 70th anniversary of the diplomatic ties as an opportunity to accelerate the construction of a closer community with a shared future in a new era and bring more benefits to the two peoples and make greater contribution to regional stability and prosperity.

Lijian said that the current situation in Afghanistan gravely threatened its peace and stability, and security interests of the countries in the region.

The Afghan situation is at a very critical crossroads between war and peace, order and chaos, which presents a serious challenge, he said. He said that China always believes that political negotiation is the only viable way to settle the Afghan issue.

The spokesperson said, it should be pointed out that the recent US announcement of a complete withdrawal from Afghanistan has led to a deteriorating situation in the security of Afghanistan. "This gravely threats Afghans peace and stability and security interests of countries in region," he added.

He remarked that as the one who started the Afghan issue, the US should shoulder its due responsibility and ensure a smooth transition in Afghanistan with concrete actions, avoid a resurgence of terrorism and uphold the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan.