Social and economic growth in the region depends on peace in Afghanistan, says FM. Bilawal
The Foreign Minister thanks China for its “steadfast support” on Kashmir and declares his country’s solidarity on issues of paramount importance to China.
On Saturday in ISLAMABAD, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari stressed the significance of ‘peace and stability in Afghanistan’ for the’socioeconomic growth and prosperity’ of the region, and he pledged to collaborate with all parties involved to achieve this goal.
Following the 4th Pakistan-China Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue, the minister spoke at a joint news conference with his Chinese counterpart, Qin Gang.
As a result of today’s dialogue, Pakistan and China agreed, as stated by FM Bilawal, “that peace and stability in Afghanistan remain vital for socio-economic development, connectivity, and prosperity in the region,” and they “will continue to work together with all stakeholders for a peaceful, stable, prosperous, and united Afghanistan.”
In addition, he said that Pakistan and China back each other up on “issues of core national interests” in bilateral and multilateral involvement with other nations.
He spoke highly of China’s “steadfast support” for Pakistan on all matters of vital national interest, noting in particular China’s “principled position” on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
According to the minister, Pakistan would “continue to firmly support China on all core issues of its national interests,” including Taiwan, Xinjiang, Hong Kong, Tibet, and the South China Sea. He also said that the two countries have supported each other for many years and would continue to do so for many more.
“High-level exchanges and bilateral consultative mechanisms are essential for maintaining the momentum of the long-cherished relationship,” added FM Bilawal.
After the March 2023 bilateral political meetings in Beijing, Bilawal expressed his happiness that the 4th Strategic Dialogue was held so soon thereafter. Moreover, he said, the cooperation “between the two countries has grown over the years and enjoys consensus across generations and political divide” and that this year marks the 72nd year of friendship between Pakistan and China.
All aspects of our bilateral relationship have been discussed at length during today’s meetings. In light of recent events, we both recognize the need of maintaining this alliance, which will serve both of our countries well.
The foreign minister reported that China and Pakistan recognized the significance of the CPEC and reaffirmed their dedication to the project’s continued high-quality development.
“This year marks the completion of a decade of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which remains a shining example of the Belt and Road cooperation, which accelerated socio-economic development job creation and improved people’s livelihood in Pakistan,” he continued.
The FM underlined that CPEC was still a mutually beneficial venture that welcomed investment from everywhere in the world. Additionally, he expressed appreciation to China “for its generous and timely assistance” as Pakistan continued to fight off the effects of the global economic downturn.
According to Bilawal, “mutual warmth and trust was a shining example of multilateral cooperation” between the two countries.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s opposition to bloc politics and great power rivalry and expressed optimism about the prospect of “working together with all countries to address common challenges of development and connectivity.”
In view of “emerging global concerns like human-induced climate change,” he said the government will maintain dialogue with China to advance “south-south cooperation.”
The two nations are committed to “engage in mutually beneficial cooperation to provide tangible benefits to both people,” Foreign Minister Bilawal said.
