Beijing (Web Desk): Pakistan and China have reaffirmed their steadfast backing for one another on matters tied to their fundamental national interests, reinforcing the depth and durability of their strategic relationship.
This understanding was highlighted in a joint statement released after the Seventh Round of the China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue, held in Beijing and co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
The communiqué noted that China renewed its strong support for Pakistan in protecting its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. Beijing also endorsed Pakistan’s continued resolve to counter terrorism and acknowledged its expanding role in regional and global affairs.
Pakistan, for its part, reiterated its unwavering commitment to the one-China principle, clearly stating that Taiwan is an inseparable part of Chinese territory. Islamabad also reaffirmed its support for China on issues related to Xinjiang, Xizang, Hong Kong and the South China Sea.
The two sides emphasized their determination to further strengthen their ironclad friendship by expanding mutually beneficial cooperation and deepening strategic coordination, with the aim of achieving fresh milestones under their All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership.
During the talks, the two countries announced plans to launch a series of commemorative events this year to mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China. They agreed that the celebrations would help further cement bilateral ties and open new avenues for cooperation.
The dialogue reaffirmed that Pakistan and China remain all-weather strategic cooperative partners bound by deep mutual trust and friendship, with both sides noting that the steady and positive growth of their relationship carries significant importance for regional peace, stability and development.
China praised Pakistan’s comprehensive efforts to combat terrorism and to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens, projects and institutions operating in Pakistan. Beijing also acknowledged the substantial sacrifices and contributions Pakistan has made over the years in the fight against terrorism.
Both countries reiterated their zero-tolerance approach toward terrorism in all its forms and agreed to intensify broad-based cooperation on counterterrorism and security.
They pledged to work together to ensure that China-Pakistan Belt and Road cooperation proceeds safely and smoothly.
The two sides agreed to further align their development strategies and priorities and to jointly advance an upgraded version 2.0 of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), describing the project as a flagship initiative of the Belt and Road framework.
They decided to concentrate cooperation on key sectors including industry, agriculture and mining, accelerate the development and operation of Gwadar Port, ensure uninterrupted connectivity along the Karakoram Highway, and enhance Pakistan’s long-term development capacity.
The Two sides also agreed to deepen collaboration in trade and investment, information technology, science and innovation, cybersecurity, technical and vocational education, as well as people-to-people and cultural exchanges.
Third-party participation in CPEC projects was welcomed, provided it aligns with frameworks jointly agreed by Pakistan and China.
Both the countries agreed to strengthen cooperation in financial and banking sectors, including offering mutual support at regional and international multilateral financial platforms.
Expressing satisfaction over the expansion of space cooperation, the two countries welcomed the expected early participation of Pakistani astronauts in the China Space Station. They agreed to pursue space exploration in a peaceful and mutually beneficial manner to support broader economic and social progress
Pakistan and China underscored the importance of a South Asian regional order rooted in the United Nations (UN) Charter, international law and universally recognized norms of international relations.
They opposed unilateral actions and stressed the need to maintain peace and stability in South Asia, calling for the resolution of outstanding disputes through dialogue and consultation.
China reiterated that the Jammu and Kashmir issue is a legacy dispute from history and should be addressed peacefully in line with the UN Charter, relevant UN Security Council resolutions and bilateral agreements.
Both sides reaffirmed their adherence to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, voiced support for multilateralism and free trade, and expressed opposition to hegemonism, coercive practices that undermine national sovereignty, the formation of exclusive groupings and bloc-based confrontation.
On Afghanistan, the two countries agreed to maintain close coordination and engagement, and to work with the international community to encourage the Afghan authorities to establish an inclusive political structure, pursue moderate policies, prioritize development and maintain constructive relations with neighboring states.
They emphasized the need for Afghanistan to play a positive role in regional stability and integration.
Pakistan and China also called for clear, visible and verifiable steps to dismantle and eliminate all terrorist organizations operating from Afghan territory, stressing that Afghan soil must not be used for terrorism that threatens regional or global security or targets any other country.