Beijing (TDI): Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Tuesday met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to discuss bilateral relations and matters of mutual interest.
Both foreign ministers the hailed All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership and ironclad friendship between Pakistan and China during the meeting.
They expressed satisfaction at the commonality of views on all matters of mutual interest and reiterated their commitment to continue bilateral cooperation for regional peace, development and stability.
Both sides also exchanged views on evolving situation in South Asia, future trajectory of Pakistan-China friendship, and CPEC 2.0.
Earlier, Dar also called on Minister of International Department of the Communist Party of China Liu Jianchao in Beijing.
Read More: Dar Praises China’s ‘Ironclad’ Support to Pakistan’s Sovereignty
During the meeting, they agreed to deepen linkages between the political parties of Pakistan and the Communist Party of China, the Foreign Office said in a statement on Tuesday.
Liu reaffirmed that as an “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partner” and “ironclad friend”, China remains committed to prioritizing its relationship with Pakistan.
Dar arrived in Beijing yesterday on a 3-day official visit on the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi amid regional tensions.
The visit comes amid heightened regional tensions following a ceasefire between Pakistan and India after a tense military standoff over the Pahalgam incident in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK)— which India falsely blamed on Pakistan without providing any evidence.
Read More: China Sees Dar’s Visit as Sign of Stronger Ties
On May 6–7, Indian air strikes in Punjab and Azad Kashmir martyred civilians, prompting Pakistan to shoot down five Indian fighter aircrafts.
Following drone interceptions and Pakistan’s attacks on Indian airbases and military installations, US intervention on May 10 resulted in a ceasefire. However, New Delhi has continued its aggressive posture, while Islamabad has urged restraint and extended an offer for dialogue.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
