Pakistan, China vow to further enhance bilateral ties

Pakistan and China have reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and expressed resolve to enhance ties in diverse sectors, the Foreign Office said in a statement on Sunday.

The resolve follows the third round of Pakistan-China bilateral political consultations (BPC), a regular institutional mechanism between the two brotherly countries, held in Beijing on March 18 (Saturday).

According to the Foreign Office, the two sides agreed to expand and reinforce political and security cooperation, bilateral trade, economic and financial cooperation, cultural exchanges, tourism, and people-to-people ties.

Foreign Secretary Dr Asad Majeed Khan led the Pakistan delegation while the Chinese side was led by Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong.

Noting the completion of a decade of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to CPEC that remained a major pillar of bilateral cooperation and a symbol of ever-deepening friendship between Pakistan and China.

The two sides also agreed to remain engaged in the expansion of CPEC, including on the participation of third parties, to enhance regional connectivity and cooperation.

“Pakistan and China will also enhance high-level engagements and dialogue mechanisms and make the channels of communication even more robust,” they agreed.

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The foreign secretary thanked the Chinese side for its consistent and generous support for the economic stability of Pakistan and the humanitarian assistance during the devastating floods in 2022.

Vice Foreign Minister Sun reaffirmed China’s support for Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and economic security.

The two sides exchanged views on a range of regional and global issues of mutual interest and expressed satisfaction over their close cooperation and engagement on important regional developments including in Afghanistan.