ISLAMABAD: Pak­istan and China on Saturday vowed to strengthen their strategic relations and safeguard common interests, besides promoting socio-economic development and well-being of the people of both countries.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the two sides agreed to work together to jointly uphold regional peace, stability, development and prosperity, and accelerate the building of an even closer “Pakistan-China community with a shared future in the new era”, said a joint statement issued at the conclusion of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s five-day visit to China.

PM Sharif arrived in Pakistan on Saturday night.

While the Chinese side reiterated that the bilateral relationship is a priority in its foreign relations, the Pakistani side underscored that it is the cornerstone of its foreign policy. “The two sides enjoy unbreakable strategic mutual trust, fruitful practical cooperation in various fields, and maintain close coordination on international and regional affairs,” the statement said.

Strengthen bilateral strategic ties, promote socio-economic development

The two sides agreed to explore avenues to deepen experience-sharing in state governance and synergise their development strategies. They stressed that the authority of the UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 brooks no dispute or challenge.

The Chinese side reiterated its steadfast support for Pakistan in safeguarding its sovereignty, national independence and territorial integrity.

The Pakistani side briefed China on the latest developments of the situation in held Kashmir. The Chinese side reiterated that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute should be properly and peacefully resolved in accordance with the UN Charter, relevant UN Security Council resolutions and bilateral agreements.

The two sides strongly condemned the terrorist attack on the Chinese convoy of Dasu hydropower project in Pakistan on March 26, and emphasised that no attempt to undermine Pakistan-China friendship and cooperation will ever succeed.

The Pakistani side expressed commitment to enhancing security forces deployment and taking more effective security measures, and making all-out efforts to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel, projects and institutions in Pakistan.

The two sides reiterated their commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations with a “zero tolerance” attitude, and agreed to further strengthen cooperation in counter-terrorism and security through a comprehensive approach. They agreed to work with the international community to strengthen multilateral counter-terrorism cooperation within multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations.

The two sides recognised that CPEC has been a pioneering project of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Published in Dawn, June 9th, 2024