China is prepared to collaborate with Pakistan to develop an “upgraded version” of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, Foreign Minister Wang Yi conveyed to his Pakistani counterpart on Wednesday.
In discussions with Ishaq Dar, Pakistan’s new deputy prime minister, Wang praised the “ironclad” relationship between the neighboring nations and committed to advancing CPEC, according to the South China Morning Post.
“Both sides should effectively implement the Framework Agreement on Industrial Cooperation, strengthening our collaboration in sectors such as industry, agriculture, mining, new energy, and information technology,” Mr. Yi stated, referencing an agreement signed by the two countries in 2022, per a Chinese foreign ministry readout.
Both officials co-chaired the fifth round of the China-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue, the Foreign Office announced. The Associated Press of Pakistan reported that the deputy prime minister described relations with China as the cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy.
Dar also underscored the threats to regional peace and security stemming from India’s illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir, and expressed appreciation for China’s principled stance on the dispute.
Mr. Yi also hosted a lunch in honor of Deputy Prime Minister Dar, according to the Foreign Office.
Both Mr. Yi and Executive Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, who also met with Mr. Dar on Wednesday, urged Islamabad to ensure the safety and security of Chinese workers and investments in Pakistan.
The Chinese foreign minister expressed hope that “Pakistan will do its utmost to safeguard Chinese personnel in Pakistan and ensure the security of Chinese businesses and projects so they may continue their work in Pakistan without concern.”
“China’s determination to deepen cooperation with Pakistan will not waver,” Anadolu Agency quoted Mr. Yi as saying.
“At the same time,” Mr. Yi told Deputy PM Dar, “it is hoped that Pakistan will continue to make every effort to eliminate the worries of Chinese enterprises and personnel.”
He also called for further enhancement of counterterrorism security cooperation between the two countries.
In response, Mr. Dar pledged increased efforts to apprehend the perpetrators of the March attack and to enforce the law to ensure the safety of Chinese nationals and projects in Pakistan. He also advocated for a united international stance with zero tolerance for all forms of terrorism.
The discussions also covered the global economy and developments in the Middle East, according to the Chinese readout.
During his meeting with Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, Mr. Dar expressed condolences over the March 26 Shangla attack and assured a zero-tolerance approach toward the perpetrators of such crimes.
State broadcaster CCTV reported that Mr. Xuexiang said China is willing to maintain high-level strategic communication with Pakistan and ensure that CPEC’s development is of “high quality.”
The Foreign Office statement noted progress made by CPEC in energy and infrastructure sectors, and both parties expressed confidence in the positive outcomes of phase two of the project in industry, agriculture, and mineral development.
The discussions also included connectivity through the Khunjerab border crossing and a simplified visa regime.
