Pakistan, China agree to safeguard common interests, work towards regional uplift

(Karachi) Pakistan and China have agreed to strengthen ties and safeguard common interests to promote peace in the region. Both sides also committed to work collectively for uplift in the region.

The developments were made during the second round of China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue which was held in China's Hainan Province, a statement issued by Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on Friday.

The meeting was held between Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The two sides discussed COVID-19 pandemic, bilateral relations and international and regional issues of mutual interest.

Coronavirus Pandemic

Both sides agreed that Pakistan and China have stood in solidarity and worked together since the COVID-19 outbreak by timely sharing of experiences relating to the prevention and control of the virus, mutual support in providing medical materials, and have set an example for international community to jointly fight the pandemic.

The dignitaries agreed to further strengthen cooperation in developing a vaccine to defeat the COVID-19 pandemic, and strive to promote establishment of China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future and Community of Common Health.

Mutual Ties

During the discussion, Qureshi and his Chinese counterpart reiterated that the enduring China-Pakistan All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership is beneficial to international and regional peace and stability.

They maintained it is essential to enhance mutual strategic trust, strengthening cooperation, maintaining momentum of high-level exchanges, further advancing construction of Belt and Road Initiative, promoting bilateral relationship to a higher level, and delivering greater benefits to both countries.

The two sides reaffirm commitment to advance the construction of CPEC, ensure timely completion of projects and focus on economic and social development, job creation and improvement of people’s livelihood etc.

Both officials also expressed satisfaction on agreements reached on recent mega energy projects.

Regional, International matters

Pakistan and China expressed satisfaction over cooperation on regional and international issues at different forums including the United Nation, Shanghai Cooperation Organization and ASEAN Regional Forum, and agreed to deepen coordination and cooperation to safeguard mutual interests.

Both sides also reaffirmed their commitment to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and support for multilateralism, free trade and win-win cooperation, and opposition to unilateralism, protectionism and coercive practices.

Kashmir Issue

Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Wang Yi reiterated that the Kashmir dispute should be resolved peacefully and properly through the UN Charter, relevant Security Council resolutions and bilateral agreements. China opposed any unilateral action that could complicate or worsen the issue.

Afghan Government-Taliban Deal

The two sides discussed the Afghan issue in detail and appreciated the efforts made by Afghan government and the Taliban to initiate the Intra-Afghan negotiations. They emphasized the importance of an inclusive, broad-based and comprehensive negotiated agreement for future political settlement in Afghanistan.

On the occasion, the Wang Yi appreciated Pakistan’s role in Afghan peace process and efforts for promoting peace and stability in the region.

The Pakistani side appreciated China for standing together with Pakistan in safeguarding its national security and sovereignty, and reaffirmed its firm support to China on affairs concerning China’s core interests.