China calls for ‘political stability’ in Pakistan

China has called for political stability in Pakistan, hoping that the political forces will work together for political stability so that Islamabad can move forward with Beijing at the economic and bilateral level, reported 24NewsHD TV Channel.

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.

After the strategic dialogue, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto addressed a joint press stakeout along with his Chinese counterpart Qin Gang. 

The 4th Pakistan China Strategic Dialogue was followed by a joint press briefing by FM @BBhuttoZardari and
State Councilor and Foreign Minister, @AmbQinGang.

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— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) May 6, 2023

Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that Pakistan supports China’s foreign policy as both countries reiterated their abiding commitment to the high-quality development of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project.

Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto said that both Pakistan and China have been standing together for decades. Our friendship is 70 years old, he maintained. 

“We support China on its all core issues of national interests,” Bilawal said, adding that he had a thorough discussion with his Chinese counterparty. 

“Pakistan supports the One-China policy,” the Pakistani foreign minister said, stressing that the CPEC is an important project between the two countries. 

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 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 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 said the Pakistan-China friendship is irreversible. The mutual warmth and trust between the peoples of the two countries is a shining example of multicultural cooperation. This friendship is a historic reality and a consensus choice of the two nations.

He 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.

Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang said that yesterday he met Pakistan President Arif Alvi whom he conveyed a message of good wishes on behalf of the Chinese President. I thank Pakistan for its support to China. China supports Pakistan on its integrity, sovereignty and all other affairs, he added.

He noted that Pakistan-China relations have become more stable in the past few years. He said Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif made a successful visit to China last November. “One of the main purposes of my visit is to participate in the talks between the foreign ministers of Pakistan, China and Afghanistan. All three countries will participate in the trilateral talks,” he added.

The Chinese foreign minister said that Afghanistan shares a long border with Pakistan. “The neighbours cannot go anywhere else, we believe that Pakistan and Afghanistan can solve the problems through dialogue and negotiations,” he maintained.

He emphasized that it is hoped that the Taliban will take the security concerns of neighbouring countries seriously and take measures in this regard. They will also form an inclusive government and give rights to all, he added.

Qin Gang said that China and Pakistan are ready to provide economic support to Afghanistan. He said China is ready to increase security and counter-terrorism cooperation with both Afghanistan and Pakistan so that action can be taken against terrorist groups.

The Chinese foreign minister observed that the Afghan people have been suffering for so long. 

“The international community has a duty to try to solve the problems of the Afghan people. Our goal is to build a consensus on Afghanistan. We fully support Pakistan for holding trilateral talks on Afghanistan,” he added.

The Chinese foreign minister further said that China will continue to help Pakistan in every matter. He hoped that the ‘political forces will work together for political stability so that Pakistan can move forward with us at the economic and bilateral level’.

Delegation-level talks

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 held at the Foreign Office in Islamabad.

Bilawal 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 said China Pakistan Economic Corridor has strategic significance for our countries and Pakistan is fully committed to timely completion of the corridor project.

Earlier, Bilawal Bhutto welcomed Qin Gang at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and led him to the talks table.

FM @BBhuttoZardari received the State Councilor and Foreign Minister, Qin Gang at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The two FMs co-chaired the 4th Pakistan-China Strategic Dialogue.

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— PPP (@MediaCellPPP) May 6, 2023

Chinese FM Qin Gang landed in Islamabad on Friday as Pakistan is set to host a trilateral dialogue with Beijing and Kabul in Islamabad where the foreign ministers of the neighbouring states will participate in bilateral discussions.

Reporter Usman Khadim