SLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi will depart for China today on the invitation of his Chinese colleague, according to a statement released by the Foreign Office on Friday.
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi will visit China from July 23 to 24, at the request of State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, according to the announcement. The foreign minister will be joined by senior officials, according to the statement.
During his visit, Pakistan’s top diplomat will concentrate on “further developing bilateral ties,” the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), defence and security cooperation, COVID-19 vaccines, counter-terrorism, and regional and international problems.
There is no reference of the Dasu tragedy, in which nine Chinese nationals were slain, prompting Prime Minister Imran Khan to order the interior and foreign ministries to travel to China.
Qureshi’s visit, according to the FO, will help to enhance Islamabad and Beijing’s “all-weather strategic cooperation partnership,” as well as increase Pakistan’s “strategic communication and coordination” on a variety of topics.
The visit takes place as Pakistan and China commemorate the 70th anniversary of the two nations’ diplomatic ties.
According to the FO, over 100 activities have been scheduled, with more than 60 already taking place.
The statement stated, “These events have greatly contributed to injecting a fresh energy and warmth into the customary relationship.”
Pakistan and China are the closest allies and steadfast partners, according to the FO, and their long-standing relationship is built on “unparalleled mutual trust, understanding, and similarity of interests.”
Both sides are also completely committed to forming a closer China-Pakistan community of shared future, according to the statement.