FM Bilawal says peace in Afghanistan is vital for region's socio-economic development

FM Bilawal says peace in Afghanistan is vital for region's socio-economic development

Islamabad (Web Desk): Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Saturday said that peace and stability in Afghanistan remains vital for socio economic development, connectivity and prosperity in the region.

Addressing a joint presser with his Chinese counterpart Qin Gang following the 4th Pakistan-China Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue, FM Bilawal said we will continue to work together with all stakeholders for a peaceful, stable, prosperous and united Afghanistan.

The foreign minister said that Pakistan and China have always supported each other on issues of core national interests in both bilateral engagements and at multilateral forums. 
"We appreciate China's steadfast support on all our issues including its principled position on Jammu and Kashmir dispute," FM Bilawal said.

He said that the partnership between the two countries has grown over the years and enjoys consensus across generations and political divide.

During the dialogue, Pakistan and China also reiterated their abiding commitment to the high-quality development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project.

In the press conference, FM Bilawal pointed out that this year marks the completion of a decade of CPEC which has accelerated socio economic development, job creation and improvement of people's livelihoods in  Pakistan.

He said this corridor project  remains a win-win economic initiative opened to all investors around the world.

"Pakistan remains profoundly grateful to China for its generous and timely assistance as  we continue to grapple with the headwinds in the global economy," FM Bilawal said.

"We have had an in-depth exchange of views on the entire spectrum of bilateral cooperation,"

FM Bilawal said, adding that they agreed to the significance of this partnership for the mutual benefit of our two nations in the face of new developments.

FM Bilawal said that both the countries have stood with each other for decades and will continue to stand with each other in the decades to come.

He said Pakistan will continue to firmly support China on all core issues of its national interests.
"Pakistan-China friendship is irreversible. The mutual warmth and trust between the peoples of two countries is a shining example of multi-cultural cooperation," FM Bilawa said, adding that this friendship is a historic reality and consensus choice of two nations.
The foreign minister emphatically stated that Pakistan is against bloc politics or greater power competition of any kind. 
"Pakistan looks forward to working together with all countries to address common challenges of development and connectivity," FM Bilawal asserted.

He said we are committed to remaining engaged with China to promote cooperation in the light of  emerging global concerns like human induced climate change.

FM Bilawal said that both the countries have stood with each other for decades and will continue to stand with each other in the decades to come.

He said Pakistan will continue to firmly support China on all core issues of its national interests.
"Pakistan-China friendship is irreversible. The mutual warmth and trust between the peoples of two countries is a shining example of multi-cultural cooperation," FM Bilawa said, adding that this friendship is a historic reality and consensus choice of two nations.

The foreign minister emphatically stated that Pakistan is against bloc politics or greater power competition of any kind.

"Pakistan looks forward to working together with all countries to address common challenges of development and connectivity," FM Bilawal asserted.

He said we are committed to remaining engaged with China to promote cooperation in the light of  emerging global concerns like human induced climate change.

FM Bilawal said that both the countries during dialogue today also noted that peace and stability in Afghanistan remains vital for socio economic development, connectivity and prosperity in the region. He said we will continue to work together with all stakeholders for a peaceful, stable, prosperous and united Afghanistan.

Earlier today, Bilawal appreciated China’s “principled and just stance” on the issue of India-occupied Kashmir as well as its “firm support for Pakistan’s territorial integrity”.

Addressing a delegation-level meeting with China at the Foreign Office (FO), Bilawal expressed Pakistan's firm commitment to further strengthen relations with China and take them into the new era.

FM Bilawal pointed out that across the political spectrum and divide; there is absolute unison when it comes to Pakistan-China strategic partnership.

He said China has always proved to be a reliable partner and a trusted friend. He said a recent manifestation of this friendship was the prompt Chinese support and assistance in the evacuation of our nationals from Sudan. Friendship with China is cornerstone of Pakistan's foreign policy.

The foreign minister was appreciative of China's firm support for Pakistan's territorial integrity, sovereignty and national development as well as its principled and just stance on Jammu and Kashmir dispute. He said Pakistan continues to support China firmly on all its core issues including the One China policy.

FM Bilawal said that CPEC has strategic significance for our countries and Pakistan is fully committed to timely completion of the corridor project.