Guangzhou, 22 May 2022 (TDI): Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, met with the Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, in Guangzhou on Sunday.
Foreign Minister, Mr. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari met with Chinese Foreign Minister/State Councilor, Mr. Wang Yi in Guangzhou. pic.twitter.com/IlmefRMVKz
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) May 22, 2022
This is the first meeting following his arrival in China on his first bilateral visit at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Hina Rabbani Khar, was also present during the talks.
The meeting and the tour of the Foreign Minister coincided with the 71st anniversary of the diplomatic ties between the two countries.
The Pakistani Foreign Minister said that it was a delight to celebrate the 71 years of enduring diplomatic ties between the two countries in Guangzhou.
The two leaders discussed matters of mutual interest and Zardari thanked his counterpart for the warm reception & gracious hospitality in China.
The Foreign Minister of Pakistan further shared that they discussed enhanced economic engagement, trade, investments, industrialization, CPEC cooperation, and students’ issues.
Both sides are committed to elevating multifaceted partnerships to greater heights.
During wide-ranging talks with State Councilor Wang Yi, discussed enhanced economic engagement, trade, investments, industrialization and CPEC cooperation. Issues facing students also discussed.
Both sides are committed to elevating multifacted partnership to greater heights. pic.twitter.com/GDju37kz06
— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) May 22, 2022
Celebrating the 71 years of diplomatic relations
Wang Yi showed Zardari a photo book of Pakistan-China relations and the two foreign ministers cut a cake to commemorate 71 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s first visit to China as the Foreign Minister
The minister is on a two-day visit to the neighboring country. This is the first high-level engagement between China and Pakistan since the coalition government was formed in April.
This is also Zardari’s first bilateral travel to a foreign country as a foreign minister since taking office in April.
On Saturday, the foreign minister stated that his visit coincided with the 71st anniversary of Pakistan’s diplomatic ties with China.
“Landed in Guangzhou, China on my first bilateral visit. Today also marks 71st anniversary of establishment of diplomatic ties between Pakistan and China. Looking forward to meeting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi for in-depth discussions on Pakistan-China relations,” he tweeted shortly after arrival in the Southern Chinese city.
Landed in Guangzhou 🇨🇳 on my first bilateral visit. Today also marks 71st anniversay of establishment of diplomatic ties between Pakistan and China.
Looking forward to meeting Chinese State Councilor & Foreign Minister Wang Yi for in-depth discussions on Pakistan-China relations. https://t.co/4ZGENOCPsa— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) May 21, 2022
China also anticipated the visit of Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Zardari. According to Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin, as all-weather strategic cooperating partners, China and Pakistan must increase communication and coordination on significant topics. This will help in dealing with regional developments, risks, and difficulties.
“China hopes to use this visit as an opportunity to carry on with the traditional friendship with Pakistan, consolidate strategic mutual trust, and further deepen the all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership to build a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future,” the spokesperson added.
