ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto on Saturday stressed the importance of peace and stability in Afghanistan for the region’s socioeconomic development and pledged to work with China and all other stakeholders towards its achievement.
Addressing a press conference in Islamabad alongside his Chinese counterpart Qin Gang, Bilawal stressed that the region’s socioeconomic progress, connectivity, and prosperity depend on peace and sustainability in Afghanistan.
He asserted, “We will continue working with all stakeholders for a stable, peaceful, prosperous and united Afghanistan.”
Earlier, Bilawal expressed Pakistan’s firm commitment to further strengthen relations with China taking it to a new height.
According to Radio Pakistan, Bilawal made the remarks at the delegation-level talks with a Chinese delegation at the Foreign Office in Islamabad.
Pakistan is hosting a day-long trilateral dialogue with China and Afghanistan in Islamabad after the arrival of Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang and Afghan interim Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi.
Muttaqi, was granted permission by the United Nations Security Council earlier on a special request of Pakistan to waive the ban on his travel. Muttaqi had long been subjected to travel restrictions, asset freeze and arms embargo under UNSC sanctions.
Bilawal pointed out that there was absolute unison across the political spectrum and divide regarding 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 evacuating our nationals from Sudan. Friendship with China is the cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy.
The foreign minister appreciated China’s firm support for Pakistan’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, national development, and its principled and just stance on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
He said Pakistan supports China firmly on all its core issues, including the One China policy.
Bilawal said that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project has strategic significance for our countries, and Pakistan is fully committed to its timely completion.
