Pakistan, China Reaffirm “Ironclad” Friendship at 6th Strategic Dialogue in Islamabad

Sarosh Mustafa, APP

Islamabad: Pakistan and China on Thursday reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to deepening their “all-weather strategic cooperative partnership” during the 6th round of the Pakistan–China Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue, co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

CPEC at the Core of Bilateral Talks

The dialogue reviewed the full spectrum of Pakistan–China relations, with special focus on the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Both sides agreed to accelerate existing projects and upgrade CPEC into a “growth corridor, livelihood corridor, green corridor, and open corridor.”

Wang Yi reiterated Beijing’s support for Pakistan’s economic recovery, emphasizing investment in energy, infrastructure, agriculture, mining, and technology. He also announced China’s support for the Gwadar Port development, KKH realignment project, and welcomed third-party participation in the ML-1 railway project.

Security and Counter-Terrorism Cooperation

Security topped the agenda as both nations pledged to strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation, intelligence-sharing, and ensure the safety of Chinese nationals and projects in Pakistan. Wang Yi praised Pakistan’s sacrifices in combating terrorism, expressing confidence that Islamabad’s counter-terrorism operations would ensure regional stability.

Regional Peace & Afghanistan Coordination

The talks highlighted Afghanistan’s peace process, with both foreign ministers agreeing to enhance trilateral cooperation with Kabul. Senator Ishaq Dar said the strategic dialogue, held right after the Pakistan–China–Afghanistan trilateral meeting in Kabul, reflects the joint resolve to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in South Asia.

Multilateralism & Global Cooperation

Pakistan and China reaffirmed support for multilateralism and pledged closer coordination at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), where Pakistan currently serves as a non-permanent member, as well as in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and other international platforms.

The two sides also prepared for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s upcoming visit to China for the SCO Heads of State Summit, where he is expected to meet President Xi Jinping and other senior Chinese leaders.

President Asif Ali Zardari Meets Wang Yi

President Asif Ali Zardari received the Chinese foreign minister at Aiwan-e-Sadr, where they discussed bilateral cooperation and regional security. President Zardari thanked China for its steadfast support for Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and development goals. He also expressed condolences over the recent loss of lives in Beijing and Gansu floods.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Hosts Wang Yi

Later in the evening, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, joined by DPM Ishaq Dar, Army Chief Gen. Asim Munir, and senior cabinet members, welcomed Wang Yi at the Prime Minister House.

PM Shehbaz praised President Xi Jinping’s leadership and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthen cooperation in trade, ICT, agriculture, minerals, and industrial development. He underscored the importance of CPEC Phase-II for Pakistan’s socio-economic progress and regional connectivity.

Wang Yi, in turn, lauded Pakistan as an “ironclad friend” and reiterated that China would continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Pakistan in promoting peace, stability, and development.

Symbolic Gestures of Friendship

At the conclusion of the talks, Wang Yi presented a framed picture to Ishaq Dar to mark the completion of the solarization of Pakistan’s Foreign Office, a project funded through a 2 million RMB Chinese grant.

Looking Ahead: 75 Years of Diplomatic Ties

Both countries agreed to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Pakistan–China diplomatic relations in 2026 with a series of high-level events. China also announced emergency humanitarian assistance to Pakistan following heavy monsoon rains.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar described the dialogue as “a testament to the ironclad friendship between Pakistan and China,” while Wang Yi said China regards Pakistan as a priority partner in its neighborhood diplomacy.