Chinese FM promises humanitarian relief for flood victims

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi arrived in Pakistan to attend the 6th round of Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue today (Tuesday) in what marks his second visit to Pakistan in three years. He was welcomed by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

FM Wang Yi has promised humanitarian relief for victims of the recent floods in Pakistan, said DPM Dar, addressing a press conference in Islamabad.

Earlier, the two parties spoke on the full range of Pakistan-China relations and further examined regional and global issues. They shared in-depth insights on a wide range of aspects related to bilateral cooperation, including China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) 2.0, trade and economic ties, multilateral collaboration and people-to-people linkages.

“Underlining the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership between Pakistan and China, DPM/FM and FM Wang Yi agreed that Pakistan-China friendship is significant for maintaining regional peace and stability and also indispensable for progress and prosperity of the two countries,” said the Foreign Office.

A press conference was held with the two ministers reiterating their commitment to the China Pakistan friendship. DPM Dar and FM Wang Yi repeatedly use the word “ironclad” when describing the relationship of the two countries,”Ironclad Brotherhood and Friendship.” When Dar was asked how the new geopolitical landscape affects the two countries relationship, Dar stated, “The prevailing geo-political milieu therefore necessitates Pakistan's closer alignment with China.”

They announced a deeper collaboration in terms of agriculture, industrial and mining industries. Wang Yi also stated that China appreciates Pakistan's efforts to combat terrorism and protect Chinese nationals. Wang Yi also congratulated Pakistan's efforts in the UN security council since becoming a non-permanent member.

Chinese FM Wang Yi addressed the media, reiterating the sentiment of “ironclad friendship”, and the “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership is unbreakable.” Wang also put heavy emphasis on the need for better cooperation in South Asia. He addressed his recent visits to India and Afghanistan, stating that the 21st Century was to mark the development of South Asia and that “China will become a South Asian countries strong partner and anchor for them.”

Ishaq Dar also announced celebrations that would take place next year which will mark 75 years of Pak-China diplomatic relations. These celebrations would consist of a multitude of events.

Both countries reaffirmed their strong ties and agreed to uphold close coordination and communication, both bilaterally, and at multilateral platforms.

Today's meeting sets the stage for Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif's visit to Beijing later this month to attend the Shanghai summit. The visit is supposed to formally launch CPEC 2.0, which has suffered from a five-year delay.

The Chinese FM is due to meet PM Shehbaz and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir during his visit.

Both DPM Dar and Wang Yi were in Kabul yesterday to hold trilateral talks with Afghanistan, where they reaffirmed their efforts for regional cooperation and extended the CPEC to Afghanistan.