Pakistan and China’s Foreign Ministers addressed joint press conference

By
Fatima Rizwan
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Pakistan's, China's Foreign Ministers address press conference at Islamabad
Pakistan's, China's Foreign Ministers address press conference at Islamabad

Islamabad, 21 March 2022 (TDI): The Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Shah Mahmood Qureshi and the Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China Wang Yi addressed a press conference together at the Federal Capital of Pakistan, Islamabad, today.

The Press Conference

The Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi initially expressed his pleasure in arriving in Pakistan to attend the historic OIC CFM. He stated that he was pleased to be in Pakistan at the invitation of his “old friend, the Foreign Minister (Shah Mahmood Qureshi) “.

As Pakistan’s all-weather friend, China is supportive of Pakistan’s efforts to build bridges between the Eastern and Western countries.

Referring to the official visit the Chinese Foreign Minister shared that this is his first official visit to Pakistan since the pandemic Covid-19.

In light of the current global affairs, the rising temperatures at the international level, and evolving global situation, the Pakistan-China ties must further be strengthened, be added. By doing so both countries will be able to promote peace and stability. Additionally, this will spur positive development, he stated.

The Foreign Minister stressed that China will stay committed to maintaining its already cordial ties with Pakistan and its people.

During the media briefing, the light was also shed on the CPEC. The cooperation projects must be further taken forward. China will take the partnership forward with Pakistan in multiple sectors. These sectors include green development, the digital sector, poverty, the health sector, etc.

Lastly, the Chinese Foreign Minister congratulated Pakistan on its celebrations for Independence Day. He wished Pakistan “Peace, Development, Prosperity“, in this regard.

Coming towards the Foreign Minister of Pakistan Shah Mahmood Qureshi, initially, he said that “the fact he (Chinese FM) is here, speaks volumes of our relationship“.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi stressed that the Pakistan-China relationship has been amazing. He further referred to Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Beijing visit and the successful meetings he had there.

Moreover, Shah Mahmood Qureshi shared that soon he is going to visit China at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart.  He paid gratitude to China for its never-ending support in almost all sectors.

It is relevant to mention that this is the first time that the Foreign Minister of China will be taking part in the OIC CFM. This fact alone reflects the kind of relationship we have, Shah Mahmood Qureshi stated.

As a crux both Foreign Ministers thanked each other and hoped for further strengthening and maintaining of the ties.

Earlier Chinese Foreign Minister arrived in Pakistan where Federal Minister Syed Fakhar Imam received the dignitary.

China’s State Councilor and Foreign Minister, Wang Yi will attend the OIC Conference as a Special Guest. Senior officials from non-OIC countries, senior representatives from the United Nations, regional and international organizations, including the Arab League and the Gulf Cooperation Council will also participate.

Prime Minister Imran Khan will participate and speak at the inaugural conference and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi will chair the Council of Foreign Ministers.

The conference is happening at an important time when there are several challenges to the Muslim world and the world in general. The conference will focus on the long-standing disputes of Palestine and Kashmir.

The resolve to counter Islamophobia, mitigate the effects of climate change, vaccine inequity, and several other issues will be discussed.

This meeting will also review the decisions made in the Extraordinary Session of the OIC CFM held in Islamabad in December on Afghanistan.