Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto said on Saturday, ahead of a trilateral meeting between Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan later today, that peace and stability in Afghanistan are “vital” to the region and that Pakistan will work with “all stakeholders for a peaceful, stable, and united Afghanistan.”
The foreign minister stated today at a press conference following the fourth round of Pakistan-China Strategic Dialogue in Islamabad, which was co-chaired by Bilawal and his Chinese counterpart Qin Gang: “Peace and stability in Afghanistan remain critical to the region’s socioeconomic prosperity, connectivity, and development.” We will continue to collaborate with all stakeholders to achieve a peaceful, prosperous, and united Afghanistan.”
During the discussion, Pakistan and China also reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to the high-quality development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Later, during the press conference, FM Bilawal stated that this year marks the tenth anniversary of CPEC, which has accelerated socio-economic development, job creation, and the betterment of people’s livelihoods in Pakistan.
He stated that CPEC is a “win-win economic initiative” open to all investors worldwide and that Pakistan is genuinely thankful to China for its generous and timely help as the country grappled with global economic headwinds.
FM Bilawal also emphasised both countries’ support for each other on issues of core national interests in bilateral and multilateral engagements, and expressed appreciation for China’s steadfast support in all issues, including “its principled position on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.”
The FM praised the two countries alliance, saying it had become stronger over time and had consensus across generations and political boundaries.
Bilawal went on to say that the two ministers had an in-depth discussion about the entire scope of bilateral cooperation.
“We agreed on the significance of this partnership for the mutual benefit of our two nations in the face of new developments,” he said, adding that both countries have stood by each other for decades and will continue to do so in the future.
“Pakistan will continue to firmly support China on all core issues of its national interests,” Bilawal said, calling the two countries’ friendship “irreversible.”
“Two countries’ peoples’ mutual warmth and trust is a shining example of multi-cultural cooperation.” “This friendship is a historic reality and a choice made by two nations,” he said.
Furthermore, the foreign minister highlighted Pakistan’s opposition to bloc politics and the increasing power struggle in general.
He stated that Pakistan looks forward to working with all countries to meet common development and connectivity difficulties, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to engaging with China to encourage collaboration in light of increasing global concerns like human-caused climate change.
