Pakistan, China vow 'enhanced cooperation' on CPEC projects

FM Dar reiterates country's 'unwavering' support for China at OIC Summit

Pakistan and China reiterated their commitment on Sunday to strengthen cooperation and aim for further enhancement and development of projects within the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The commitment was expressed by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and the Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) of China, Zheng Jianbang.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 15th Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Islamic Summit Conference in Banjul, Gambia, according to the Foreign Office (FO).

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 has met with Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China Zheng Jianbang on the sidelines of the 15th OIC Islamic Summit Conference in Banjul, The Gambia. They

🔴… pic.twitter.com/z7n52lbDeY

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) May 5, 2024

FM Dar reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for China’s core issues and stressed the importance of closer economic collaboration.

Read Pakistan demands unconditional Gaza ceasefire

Both sides reaffirmed the strong strategic cooperative partnership between Pakistan and China.

FO's statement on X (formerly Twitter) mentioned that both nations “expressed their determination to further enhance and upgrade cooperation on CPEC projects” during the meeting.

They discussed deepening exchanges between the parliaments of both countries and China's growing ties with the OIC.

Vice Chairman Zheng Jianbang reiterated China’s support for Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and development.

Earlier this week on Wednesday, FM Dar stated that he had arrived in Gambia to represent Pakistan at the 15th OIC Summit, and maintained that he would raise the issues of Gaza and the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).