Pakistan, China vow to upgrade cooperation on CPEC projects

Published May 5, 2024
Deputy PM Ishaq Dar meets Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China Zheng Jianbang on the sidelines of the OIC Summit in Banjul, the Gambia on May 5. — Foreign Office
Deputy PM Ishaq Dar meets Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China Zheng Jianbang on the sidelines of the OIC Summit in Banjul, the Gambia on May 5. — Foreign Office

Pakistan and China on Sunday expressed the determination to further enhance and upgrade cooperation on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects.

This was expressed by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Zheng Jianbang, the vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China.

According to the Foreign Office (FO), the two met on the sidelines of the 15th Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Islamic Summit Conference in The Gambia.

The FO said both sides underscored the importance of “enhanced mutually productive ties through close economic cooperation”.

The two also “reaffirmed the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership between Pakistan and China” and discussed the deepening exchanges between the Parliament of Pakistan and the National People’s Congress of China.

The statement also mentioned that both nations “expressed their determination to further enhance and upgrade cooperation on CPEC projects” during the meeting.

They also discussed China’s growing relationship with the OIC and underlined the importance of dialogue and understanding for mutual peace and prosperity.

Radio Pakistan also reported that Dar reiterated Pakistan’s firm support to China’s core issues and underscored the importance of enhanced mutually productive ties through close economic collaboration and cooperation.

Meanwhile, Jianbang reaffirmed China’s support for Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and development.

Separately, Dar also met Turkiye Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on the sidelines of the summit, where the two “discussed the strong bonds of friendship and commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, particularly in economic, trade and defence sectors”.

Dar also met Azerbaijan Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov. According to the FO, the two discussed deepening bilateral cooperation in trade, connectivity, energy, and people-to-people contacts while also emphasising the importance of dialogue at political level.

Dar congratulated Azerbaijan on winning the bid to host COP29 and expressed Pakistan’s interest in cooperation on climate change. “He also appreciated Azerbaijan’s principled stance on the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK),” the FO said.

Opinion

Editorial

Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...
Islamabad protest
Updated 20 Nov, 2024

Islamabad protest

As Nov 24 draws nearer, both the PTI and the Islamabad administration must remain wary and keep within the limits of reason and the law.
PIA uncertainty
20 Nov, 2024

PIA uncertainty

THE failed attempt to privatise the national flag carrier late last month has led to a fierce debate around the...
T20 disappointment
20 Nov, 2024

T20 disappointment

AFTER experiencing the historic high of the One-day International series triumph against Australia, Pakistan came...