Pakistan-China friendship is irreversible: FM Bilawal
ISLAMABAD, May 06 (SABAH): 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.
Meanwhile Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has expressed Pakistan’s firm commitment to further strengthen relations with China and take them into the new era. He made the remarks at the delegation level talks with China at the foreign office in Islamabad.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari pointed out that across the political spectrum and divide; there is absolute unison when it comes to Pakistan-China strategic partnership.
He said China has always proved to be a reliable partner and a trusted friend. He said a recent manifestation of this friendship was the prompt Chinese support and assistance in the evacuation of our nationals from Sudan. Friendship with China is cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy.
The Foreign Minister was appreciative of China’s firm support for Pakistan’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and national development as well as its principled and just stance on Jammu and Kashmir dispute. He said Pakistan continues to support China firmly on all its core issues including the One China policy.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said China Pakistan Economic Corridor has strategic significance for our countries and Pakistan is fully committed to timely completion of the corridor project.