6th Strategic Dialogue: Pakistan, China Reaffirm Commitment to High-Quality Development of CPEC 2.0

Islamabad:  Pakistan and China on Thursday reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to the high-quality development of the upgraded China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) during the 6th Strategic Dialogue held in Islamabad between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the entire spectrum of Pakistan-China relations and discussed key regional and global issues. They also held in-depth exchanges on various aspects of bilateral cooperation, including CPEC 2.0, trade and economic ties, multilateral collaboration, and people-to-people exchanges.

Addressing a joint press stakeout, Senator Ishaq Dar underlined that Pakistan and China enjoy complete unanimity and consensus on all major bilateral, regional, and international matters. “We are heartened by Wang Yi’s vision for advancing our bilateral cooperation, especially upgrading CPEC to its next phase,” he remarked.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi described CPEC as the “cornerstone” of Pakistan-China strategic partnership, stressing that the current priority is to advance its high-quality development. He said the two sides agreed to transform CPEC into “a growth corridor, a livelihood-enhancing corridor, a green corridor, and an open corridor.”

Highlighting future cooperation, Wang Yi said both countries will deepen industrial, agricultural, and mining collaboration to improve livelihoods, strengthen Pakistan’s economic resilience, and promote the development and operation of Gwadar Port and the Karakoram Highway (KKH) realignment project. He also welcomed third-party participation in the Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway project.

Senator Dar noted that the Strategic Dialogue followed the Pakistan-China-Afghanistan Foreign Ministers’ Trilateral Meeting in Kabul, underscoring the shared resolve to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. He thanked China for its “firm support to Pakistan in safeguarding sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national dignity.”

Both sides also agreed to continue close coordination at multilateral fora, particularly at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), where Pakistan is serving its two-year term as a non-permanent member. Preparations for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s forthcoming visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Heads of State Summit were also discussed.

The two foreign ministers further agreed to jointly mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China next year with a series of events. Wang Yi said China “warmly welcomes” Prime Minister Shehbaz to attend the SCO summit and assured that both sides will ensure the success of the anniversary celebrations.

Expressing sympathies with Pakistan over the recent heavy rains, the Chinese foreign minister announced immediate emergency humanitarian assistance. On security matters, he lauded Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts, noting that the country is “effectively protecting the safety of Chinese personnel and institutions.”

Responding to a query, Senator Dar emphasized that Pakistan’s foreign policy is based on friendly ties with all countries, grounded in shared values, mutual respect, and equality. “China is the mainstay and cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy, and we are committed to further strengthening bilateral relations,” he added.

Wang Yi clarified that China’s partnership with India “is not targeted at any third party” and would not affect relations with other countries.

Later, Wang Yi presented a framed picture to Senator Dar, marking the completion of the solarization of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs had contributed 2 million RMB for the project.