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

Both sides reviewed the full spectrum of Pakistan-China relations and discussed key regional and global issues. They exchanged views on CPEC 2.0, trade and economic ties, multilateral cooperation, and people-to-people linkages.

Addressing a joint press stakeout, Ishaq Dar said the two countries enjoy “complete unanimity” on major bilateral, regional, and global matters.

“We are heartened by Wang Yi’s vision for advancing our bilateral cooperation, especially upgrading CPEC to its next phase,” Dar noted.

The Chinese foreign minister described CPEC as the cornerstone of the Pakistan-China partnership, adding that the current priority is to transform it into “a growth corridor, livelihood-enhancing corridor, green corridor, and open corridor.”

He underlined that the two sides will deepen cooperation in industry, agriculture, and mining, improve the welfare of the Pakistani people, and boost Pakistan’s economic resilience.

China, he said, also supports the development of Gwadar Port, the KKH realignment, and third-party participation in the ML-1 railway project.

Dar said the dialogue followed the Pakistan-China-Afghanistan trilateral meeting in Kabul, reflecting a joint resolve to promote regional peace, stability, and prosperity. He thanked China for its support in safeguarding Pakistan’s sovereignty and national dignity.

The two sides also agreed to enhance cooperation at multilateral fora, particularly at the UN Security Council, where Pakistan is serving a two-year term as a non-permanent member.

Preparations for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s upcoming visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit were also discussed.

Next year, Pakistan and China will mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties with a series of joint events. China has also pledged emergency humanitarian aid to Pakistan in the wake of heavy rains.

Wang Yi commended Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts and security measures for Chinese personnel and projects. He stressed that China’s relations with India are not directed against any third party.

Later, Wang Yi presented Ishaq Dar with a framed picture commemorating the solarisation of Pakistan’s Foreign Office, a project funded by a two-million-RMB Chinese grant.