ISLAMABAD: 15 May 2024 – Pakistan and China have expressed satisfaction with the steady pace of CPEC and both sides are agreed to further upgrade and expand this cooperation as per the leadership’s vision. The implementation of the ML-1 railway line project, Gwadar Port development, realignment of Phase-II of the Karakoram Highway will be accelerated. The two sides have decided to strengthen cooperation in agriculture, mining, minerals, energy, information technology, and industrial sectors.
Pakistan and China on Wednesday agreed to advance their joint project – China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and endorsed finalizing the modalities for third-party participation. Pakistan has been inviting Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, Germany, Uzbekistan, UAE, Iran, Indonesia and Afghanistan to join CPEC in the past while the project had been facing hardships within Pakistan during the first phase. The hardships included, political instability, opposition from the nationalists elements in KP and Balochistan provinces, security challenges etc.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at a joint press stakeout expressed satisfaction over the steady pace of CPEC and vowed to “further upgrade and expand this cooperation”.
The two sides, after co-chairing the fifth Pakistan-China Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue held here at Diaoyutai State Guest House, spoke about their in-depth discussion on the multiple facets of their bilateral relations including CPEC and cooperation on counter-terrorism.
Chinese FM Wang Yi said the “comprehensive and in-depth strategic communication” with the Pakistani side focused on China-Pakistan relations, cooperation in various fields, and international and regional issues of common concern.
He said the two sides agreed to strengthen the docking of development strategies and build an “upgraded version of CPEC” in a bid to help Pakistan better realize economic development, including scientific and technological innovation and green development.
“At the same time, we will actively and steadily promote third-party cooperation in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor,” he said.
Wang Yi emphasized cooperation in industry, agriculture, mining, new energy and information technology according to local conditions to help Pakistan realize sustainable development, and establish major connectivity projects.
He said China appreciated that Pakistani side firmly adhered to the one-China principle and supported China on issues related to Taiwan, Xinjiang, Tibet, Hong Kong and the South China Sea.
“China will, as always, firmly support the Pakistani side in safeguarding the country’s sovereignty, independence, peace and development and support it in taking the path consistent with its national conditions,” he added.
The Chinese foreign minister said that China would support the Pakistani side in firmly combating terrorism and playing a greater role in international and regional affairs.
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“We will give full play to the role of various consultation and cooperation mechanisms in the political and security fields, and give unwavering support to each other on issues of mutual core interests and major concerns,” he said.
He said China and Pakistan would further deepen counter-terrorism security cooperation.
The two sides agreed cooperation on maintaining peace, stability and prosperity in the region and the world at large.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar of Pakistan said, “As we embark on Phase-II of CPEC, we look forward to developing corridors of growth, livelihood, innovation, green development, and inclusivity. To carry forward our shared vision of making CPEC an inclusive and transparent project, we also agreed to finalize the modalities for 3rdParty Participation in CPEC.”
On 15 May 2024, the Strategic Dialogue took place almost exactly one year after its 4th round in Islamabad on 06 May 2023.
“The 5th Pakistan-China Strategic Dialogue couldn’t have occurred at a more opportune moment. It was held soon after the democratic political transition in Pakistan and at a time when important developments were unfolding in world politics that necessitated closer communication between Pakistan and China, Mr. Dar said.
He thanked Foreign Minister Wang Yi for the warm reception and hospitality accorded to him. As one of the world’s leading statesmen and a sincere friend of Pakistan, Mr. Dar commended Mr. Wang’s vision and valuable contributions to Pakistan-China friendship and regional peace and stability.
DPM Dar met Executive Vice Premier H.E. Mr. Ding Xuexiang. They held a productive discussion on a wide range of topics of bilateral interest. He conveyed to Vice Premier Ding cordial greetings from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The sides held detailed discussions on multiple facets of our bilateral ties, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, and the evolving geopolitical landscape in our region and beyond. They reached consensus on several important matters, which Mr. Dar said with great confidence, will define the future trajectory of Pakistan-China relations.
The sides agreed to maintain the momentum of high-level exchanges and bilateral consultative mechanisms to further fortify our long-cherished relationship.
The two countries will continue to support each other on issues of core interest and concern. Mr. Dar appreciated China’s steadfast support for Pakistan’s sovereignty, integrity, and right to development. We particularly appreciate China’s principled stance on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
He briefed the Foreign Minister on the threats to regional peace and security that continue to emanate from India’s illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir, its unilateral actions, and hostile posture. Peace in our region will remain elusive until the historic injustices meted out to the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIoJK) are addressed, in line with the wishes of the Kashmiri people and the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council.
As a strategic partner and trusted friend, Pakistan will continue to support China on all its core issues, including Xinjiang, the South China Sea, Taiwan, and Xizang.
The two sides held detailed discussions on CPEC, which is the flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative. In the last ten years, it has transformed Pakistan’s economic landscape by eliminating power outages and by developing a robust infrastructure network, thus laying a strong foundation for Pakistan’s future development.
Mr. Dar shared, “We appreciate China’s development assistance to Pakistan and look forward to further enhancing China’s development footprints in Pakistan. I briefed Mr. Wang Yi on Pakistan’s vision to attract foreign investment in diverse sectors under Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). I commend China’s readiness to deepen our financial, bilateral trade and investment ties.”
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As per consensus, Karakoram Highway is the lynchpin of China-Pakistan geographical connectivity and an important artery of CPEC. We would implement our previous understanding to commence all-weather operations of Khunjerab-Sost border crossing soon.
On Afghanistan, the sides agreed that a peaceful, stable, united, safe, and secure Afghanistan is fundamental for the development, connectivity, and prosperity of our region. Mr. Dar said, “We are concerned about the continued presence of terrorist entities operating in Afghanistan and call upon the Afghan Interim Government to take credible and verifiable actions against such elements using Afghan soil to threaten peace and security of the neighbouring countries.”
Regarding killing of Chinese nationals in Shangla, Mr. Dar said, “On behalf of the Pakistani leadership and people, I convey heartfelt condolences on the martyrdom of five Chinese and a Pakistani national in the heinous terrorist attack on 26 March 2024 in Shangla. Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families and the Chinese government and people.”
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“Chinese personnel engaged in Pakistan’s national development are our guests. We deeply appreciate their sacrifices and will never forget their services to Pakistan. Pakistan remains fully committed to bringing the planners, financiers, and perpetrators of this heinous attack to justice. Our two sides continue to maintain close cooperation through our extensive bilateral channels, DPM continued.
He shared with the Chinese Foreign Minister the extensive and elaborate measures we have taken to protect Chinese interests in Pakistan. While thanking China for acknowledging the sacrifices Pakistan has made against terrorism,Mr. Dar expressed firm resolve that we will not rest until the last vestige of terrorism is finally eliminated.
DPM noted that our two sides have a commonality of views on the challenges and changes sweeping the global geopolitical landscape. We share China’s vision for weaning our region away from ideological strife, for just and inclusive economic globalization, and for focusing our energies on the progress and development of our peoples.
Pakistan remains opposed to bloc politics or Great Power contests and, given the gravity of global challenges confronting humankind, advocates constructive engagement among members of the international community.
Next week, Pakistan and China will be celebrating the 73rd anniversary of friendship. This unique partnership is a moral force in world affairs and indispensable for the progress and development of our countries. Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Mr. Dar agreed to further enhance people-to-people exchanges between two countries so that the sacred tale of Pakistan-China friendship may be passed on to our younger generations.
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