Pakistan, China reiterate abiding commitment to high quality development of CPEC project

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Pakistan and China have reiterated their abiding commitment to the high quality development of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project. 

This came at the fourth round of Pakistan-China Strategic Dialogue in Islamabad on Saturday which was co-chaired by Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang.

Later speaking at a joint press stakeout along with the Chinese counterpart, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari pointed out that this year marks the completion of a decade of CPEC which has accelerated socio economic development, job creation and improvement of people’s livelihoods in Pakistan.

 He said this corridor project remains a win-win economic initiative opened to all investors around the world.

He said Pakistan remains profoundly grateful to China for its generous and timely assistance as  we continue to grapple with the headwinds in the global economy.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said Pakistan and China  have always supported each other on issues of core national interests in both bilateral engagements and at multilateral forums. He said we appreciate China’s steadfast support on all our issues including its principled position on Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

The Foreign Minister said the partnership between the two countries has grown over the years and enjoys consensus across generations and political divide.

He said we have had an in-depth exchange of views on the entire spectrum of bilateral cooperation.  We agreed to the significance of this partnership for the mutual benefit of our two nations in the face of new developments.

He said both the countries have stood with each other for decades and will continue to stand with each other in the decades to come.

He said Pakistan will continue to firmly support China on all core issues of its national interests.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said Pakistan China friendship is irreversible. The mutual warmth and trust between the peoples of two countries is a shining example of multi-cultural cooperation. This friendship is a historic reality and consensus choice of two nations.

The Foreign Minister emphatically stated that Pakistan is against bloc politics or greater power competition of any kind. He said Pakistan looks forward to working together with all countries to address common challenges of development and connectivity.

He said we are committed to remaining engaged with China to promote cooperation in the light of  emerging global concerns like human induced climate change.

He said both the countries during dialogue today also noted that peace and stability in Afghanistan remains vital for socio economic development, connectivity and prosperity in the region. He said we will continue to work together with all stakeholders for a peaceful, stable, prosperous and united Afghanistan.

Speaking on the occasion, Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang assured that his country will continue to support Pakistan in its foreign exchange and financial stability to respond to challenges such as geo-political conflicts, international turbulence and natural disasters. 

He said both sides are satisfied with progress made on projects under China Pakistan Economic Corridor. He said we also agreed to accelerate major projects including ML-1 and Gwadar port. He said Chinese leadership encourages its people to invest in Pakistan. 

He said China and Pakistan all weather strategic and cooperative partners are committed to an even closer China-Pakistan community with shared future in the new era. He said Pak-China iron clad friendship is an invaluable asset forged by history and a consensus of our people.

Qin Gang appreciated Pakistan’s precious support on issues of China’s interest and major concerns. He said China will always support Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national dignity. He said China firmly supports Pakistan in exploring a development path compatible with its national conditions.

The Chinese Foreign Minister commended Pakistan’s enormous sacrifices in fight against terrorism saying his country firmly believes in Pakistan’s final victory in counter terrorism operations. He said we agreed to hold accountable the perpetrators of terrorism against Chinese workers in Pakistan. We agreed to deepen our security cooperation.

He said commercial flights between Pakistan and China have been restored to pre-pandemic level. China-Pakistan joint exhibition of Gandhara art at the palace museum in Beijing is very popular among the Chinese people. He said two sides will continue to increase cultural exchanges.

He said President of China Xi Jin Ping has put forth Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative and Global Civilization Initiative contributing Chinese solutions and proposals to humanity. He said we both have agreed to implement these initiatives on priority basis.  

He said we oppose the cold war mentality and bloc confrontation.

Responding to a question regarding China-Pakistan-Afghanistan Trilateral Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue, the Chinese Foreign Minister said this dialogue will help to uphold peace and stability in the region. He said China is ready to support Afghanistan for its economic reconstruction.

He expressed hope that interim Afghan government will embrace inclusive governance; moderate polices and maintain friendly relations with its neighbors.

He urged the international community to take concrete actions to help the Afghan people and alleviate their sufferings.