Pakistan, China discuss arms control, non-proliferation

Agree to further enhance strategic outreach between think-tanks and research institutes of both countries

ISLAMABAD:

In a show of continued cooperation, Pakistan and China engaged on Wednesday in discussions on various topics pertaining to arms control and non-proliferation during their 8th round of bilateral consultations.

The two-day event, hosted in Beijing, also encompassed talks about the regional and global security situation.

Mohammad Kamran Akhtar, Additional Secretary (Arms Control & Disarmament/Policy Planning) from Pakistan, and Sun Xiaobo, Director General from the Department of Arms Control, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China helmed their respective delegations, the Foreign Office spokesperson said in a press release.

Pakistan's delegation also visited leading think-tanks in Beijing, including China's Arms Control and Disarmament Association (CACDA) and Chinese Institute of Contemporary International Relations (CICR).

It was agreed, during the visits, to further enhance strategic outreach between think-tanks and research institutes of both countries.

The two sides agreed to hold the 9th round next year on a mutually agreed date.

Additional Secretary Mohammad Kamran Akhtar, prior to the talks, also called on Sun Weidong, Vice Foreign Minister of the Republic of China.

During the meeting, both sides exchanged in-depth views on China-Pakistan relations, international and regional security situation, and a range of issues of mutual interest.