ISLAMABAD; Pakistan and China on Wednesday reaffirmed their dedication to advancing bilateral cooperation, with particular focus on the high-quality development of the upgraded China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and strengthening the all-weather strategic partnership between the two countries. The reaffirmation came during meetings held on the sidelines of the 6th Strategic Dialogue, attended by top officials from both sides.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, on an official visit to Pakistan, met Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister House. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and senior cabinet members were also present. Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed gratitude for China’s consistent support in safeguarding Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national development. He highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to supporting China on core issues and emphasized expanding cooperation across trade, investment, ICT, agriculture, industrialization, and mineral resources. The Prime Minister also noted the importance of CPEC Phase-II for regional connectivity and socio-economic growth, and his anticipation of discussions with Chinese leadership during his upcoming visit to Tianjin and Beijing for the SCO CHS meeting and commemorative events.
Foreign Minister Wang Yi described Pakistan as an “ironclad friend” and all-weather strategic partner, noting China’s readiness to elevate bilateral ties further. Both sides reviewed the full spectrum of Pakistan-China relations, exchanged views on regional and global issues, and reaffirmed the strategic partnership’s critical role in ensuring regional peace, stability, and prosperity.
The 6th Strategic Dialogue also focused on advancing CPEC 2.0, enhancing trade and economic cooperation, and strengthening people-to-people ties, underlining the shared commitment to continued coordination at both bilateral and multilateral levels.
