Pakistan, China agree to strengthen security & political cooperation (FO)

Photo credit: APP | Pakistan-China Delegation to Meet for Third Round of Pakistan-China Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC) in Beijing, March 18, 2023 - APP

The two countries are also discussing strengthening mechanisms for high-level engagement and dialogue.

As part of an attempt to overhaul bilateral ties, Pakistan and China agreed to expand and strengthen political and security cooperation, bilateral trade, economic and financial cooperation, tourism, cultural exchanges and people-to-people ties, Das said State Department in a statement on Sunday.

The development came as the two countries met in the third round of bilateral Pakistan-China (BPC) political consultations - a regular institutional mechanism between the two countries - held in Beijing on March 18. The Pakistani delegation of

was led by Foreign Minister Dr. Asad Majeed Khan, and the Chinese side was led by Deputy Foreign Minister Sun Weidong.

Pakistan and China will also strengthen high-level engagement and dialogue mechanisms and further strengthen communication channels, according to the FO. On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), both sides reaffirmed their commitment to CPEC, which remains the main pillar of bilateral cooperation and a symbol of deepening friendship between the two countries.

They also agreed to continue their efforts to develop the CPEC, including involving third parties, to enhance regional connectivity and collaboration. Dr Majeed thanked the Chinese side for their continued generous support for Pakistan's economic stability and humanitarian aid provided to the country during last year's devastating floods. Separately, Sun reiterated China's support for Pakistan's sovereignty, territorial integrity and economic security.

"The two sides exchanged views on a number of regional and global issues of mutual interest and expressed satisfaction with their close cooperation and involvement in key regional developments, including in Afghanistan," the press release reads.

He added that Pakistan and China will continue to strengthen dialogue and cooperation in multilateral platforms.