Pak-China joint statement reaffirms strong support to core interests

Bilawal declares any attack on China’s interest is an attack on Pakistan: Says nobody will be allowed to hurt Pakistan-China friendship

By: News Desk
Published: 01:01 PM, 22 May, 2022
Pak-China joint statement reaffirms strong support to core interests
Caption: Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi after holding talks in Guangzhou.
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Pakistan and China have reaffirmed their strong support for each other’s core interests and major concerns and commitment to deepening strategic communication including at the highest political level and practical cooperation. They also agreed to building an even stronger China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era, said a joint statement issued on Sunday at the conclusion of Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s two-day official visit to China.

Foreign minister Bilawal visited Guangzhou on May 21-22 at the invitation of State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi. It was his first official bilateral visit after assuming the office of the foreign minister of Pakistan.

The visit coincided with the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Pakistan.

 During the visit, the state councilor and foreign minister Wang Yi and foreign minister Bilawal held in-depth discussions on the entire gamut of bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues of shared interest.

The talks were conducted in a warm and friendly atmosphere, in line with the finest tradition of mutual trust and cooperation between the two countries.

The joint statement said the two sides agreed that amidst profound regional and international changes, the importance of China-Pakistan strategic relations has assumed even greater significance.

“As All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partners, China and Pakistan share ironclad mutual trust and friendship, which is a source of peace, stability, and prosperity for the region and beyond,” it was added.

The two sides noted with satisfaction the steady growth of economic cooperation between China and Pakistan. In this context, they agreed that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has effectively improved Pakistan’s infrastructure and boosted its socio-economic development. “Both sides expressed firm resolve to synergizing development strategies, pushing forward all CPEC projects in a safe, smooth, and high-quality manner, promoting cooperation in areas such as economy and trade, investment, industry, agriculture, health, and science and technology, contributing to the peoples’ well-being and delivering greater benefits to local communities,” the statement said.

The two sides expressed satisfaction at the growing momentum of bilateral defense cooperation and exchanges.

They underlined that China-Pakistan defense cooperation was in fact a factor of peace and stability in the region.

The two sides termed terrorism as the common enemy of humanity.

The two sides called on the regional countries and the international community to form synergy and fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The two sides expressed their determination not to allow anyone to damage China-Pakistan iron brotherhood.

They once again strongly condemned the Karachi University Confucius Institute terrorist attack.

Pakistan reiterated that efforts would be made to speed up investigation, hunt down the culprits, and bring them to justice.

Pakistan briefed the Chinese side on its efforts to ensure the safety of all Chinese nationals, projects, and institutions in the country. China appreciated Pakistan’s commitment to the safety and security of Chinese nationals.

Pakistan and China would further enhance counter-terrorism and security cooperation.

In the face of multiple traditional and non-traditional global challenges, the two sides agreed on the need for international cooperation and solidarity.

They noted that, based on the principles of win-win cooperation and shared benefits, Belt and Road cooperation has become an open and inclusive platform for international cooperation and is widely welcomed as a global public good.

The China-proposed Global Development Initiative (GDI) and Global Security Initiative (GSI) are new initiatives to respond to the pressing challenges facing the humanity.

“Both countries stand ready to work with other countries to focus on the development agenda, tackle security challenges, implement the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and jointly build a community with a shared future for mankind,” the statement said.

Noting with satisfaction the record bilateral trade achieved last year, the two sides agreed to work together to make optimum use of phase-II of CPFTA and work together to diversify their trade ties with deepening cooperation in export-oriented sectors in Pakistan and integrating value chains of the two countries.

Both sides also agreed on stronger collaboration in the services sector and skill development in the areas of tourism, education, financial and information technology sectors.

 The two sides discussed the Ukraine situation, noting the necessity of being alert to the negative spillovers of the Ukraine crisis, in particular preventing its impact on developing countries, and called on relevant parties involved in the conflict to resolve differences and disputes through diplomacy and dialogue.

The two sides reaffirmed the firm commitment to upholding the UN-centered international system, the international order based on international law, and the basic norms governing international relations underpinned by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, practicing true multilateralism, and promoting democracy and rule of law in international relations.

The two sides also underscored that Asia, with its rich history, civilizational heritage and growing economic potential, was playing a leading role for peace, prosperity, and economic development in the region and beyond.

The two sides hoped that in the pursuance of these cherished goals, the regional countries would uphold Asian values of mutual respect, equality and win-win cooperation, and build an open and inclusive regional architecture, safeguard peace and stability in the region, and advance common development and prosperity.

Both sides reiterated that a peaceful and prosperous South Asia was in the common interest of all parties.

“Given the challenges faced by the peoples of the region, due to global pandemic, soaring commodity prices, climate change and poverty, it is critical to resolve all outstanding disputes to promote regional cooperation and advance the goals of lasting peace, stability and shared prosperity,” it was added.

Foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari briefed the Chinese side about the latest developments in Jammu & Kashmir.

The two sides underlined the importance of the peaceful resolution of the dispute based on the UN Charter, relevant Security Council resolutions and bilateral agreements.

 The two sides discussed the latest developments in Afghanistan. The two sides agreed that peace and stability in Afghanistan was vital for regional development and prosperity.

The two sides call upon the Afghan interim government to develop a broad-based and inclusive political structure, adopt moderate and sound internal and external policies, and protect the rights of women and children and ensure that the Afghan soil was not used against any of its neighbours.

Any attack on China's interest in an attack on Pakistan: Bilawal

Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has declared that any attack on China’s interest in an attack on Pakistan and vowed that Islamabad would not sit idle until the perpetrators of the Karachi University suicide blast are brought to justice, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Bilawal also vowed that nobody will be allowed to hurt the decades-old Pakistan-China friendship.

Country’s youngest foreign minister on his maiden trip to China, since assuming the office, was addressing a joint media briefing in Guangzhou after delegation-level talks with the Chinese team, which was led by his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and senior officials were also part of the foreign minister’s delegation.

Bilawal while highlighting the importance of ties with the ‘Iron Brother’, said said China was the first country on his bilateral visit. The incumbent foreign minister mentioned the efforts of his maternal grandfather and ex-PM Zulfikar Ali Bhutto for promoting the ties with Beijing.

“Pakistan is committed to one-China policy and will continue to support it,” Bilawal said.

Bilawal said Pakistan and China enjoy unique and time-tested iron brotherhood. He said bilateral relations between the two countries are based on solidarity, trust, mutual respect and support. He also reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to multilateralism for the peace, stability, and development in the region and beyond.

Condemning the terrorist attack on Chinese scholars at Karachi University last month, Bilawal said the perpetrators involved in this heinous crime will be taken to justice. He said Pakistan accords the highest importance to ensure safety, security and protection of Chinese nationals, projects and institutions in Pakistan.

Talking about ever deteriorating human rights situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, he said India is trying to change Muslim majority by allowing non-natives to settle in IIOJK. He also thanked China for its consistent support to Pakistan's stance on the Kashmir dispute.

The Foreign Minister further said the situation in Afghanistan continues to pose direct threat to peace and stability in the region. He said the festering humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan is a threat to economic collapse and have serious consequences not only for the people of Afghanistan but also for the whole region.

Bilawal earlier met with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi and discussed ways to boost the bilateral ties, as both the countries marked the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties.

The foreign minister, who landed in Guangzhou on Saturday night, is visiting China at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.

Both the dignitaries discussed efforts to boost bilateral ties and mutual coordination, according to the PPP media cell tweet.

Categories : Featured News, Pakistan

News Desk

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