Pakistan, China reiterate commitment to high quality development of CPEC project

Islamabad: Pakistan and China on Saturday reiterated their abiding commitment to the high quality development of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project.

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.

Later speaking at a joint press stakeout along with the Chinese counterpart, 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 Bhutto Zardari 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 the 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 Bhutto Zardari said Pakistan China friendship is irreversible. The mutual warmth and trust between the peoples of two countries is a shining example of multi-cultural cooperation. This friendship is a historic reality and consensus choice of two nations.

The Foreign Minister 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.

Responding to a question regarding China-Pakistan-Afghanistan Trilateral Foreign Ministers' Dialogue, the Chinese Foreign Minister said this dialogue will help to uphold peace and stability in the region. He said China is ready to support Afghanistan for its economic reconstruction.

He expressed hope that interim Afghan government will embrace inclusive governance; moderate polices and maintain friendly relations with its neighbors.

He urged the international community to take concrete actions to help the Afghan people and alleviate their sufferings.