Pakistan and China reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the upgraded China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) during the Sixth Strategic Dialogue between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Both sides reviewed bilateral relations, regional and global issues, and agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, agriculture, mining, and multilateral forums.
Dar highlighted the consensus between the two countries on major matters, expressing appreciation for China’s vision to take CPEC into its next phase. Wang Yi described the project as the cornerstone of Pakistan-China ties, outlining plans to turn CPEC into a growth, green, livelihood-enhancing, and open corridor.
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He said China would continue supporting the Gwadar Port and the KKH realignment project and welcomed third-party participation in the ML-1 railway project.
The two leaders also discussed preparations for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s upcoming visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit and agreed to celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties next year with a series of joint events.
Expressing solidarity after Pakistan’s recent heavy rains, Wang Yi announced emergency humanitarian aid for the country. He also praised Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts and assurances for the safety of Chinese personnel and institutions.
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Dar reiterated Pakistan’s foreign policy of fostering friendly ties with all nations, stressing that China remains the cornerstone of Islamabad’s diplomacy.
