Pakistan, China reaffirm strong relations

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Pakistan and China reiterated their strong support for each other’s interests and commitment to deepening their strategic relations.

A joint statement, issued on Sunday at the conclusion of Pakistan's Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s two-day visit to China, said that Beijing and Islamabad agreed on strengthening the China-Pakistan community with a shared future.

Zardari's visit to China between May 21-22 came at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, coinciding with the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Pakistan.

During the visit, Zardari and Wang held in-depth discussions on the two countries' bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues.

The joint statement affirmed that “As All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partners, China and Pakistan share ironclad mutual trust and friendship, which is a source of peace, stability, and prosperity for the region and beyond."

The two sides expressed their satisfaction with the growth of economic cooperation between Beijing and Islamabad, noting that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has improved Pakistan’s infrastructure and increased its socio-economic development.

Both sides agreed on the need for stronger collaboration in the areas of tourism, education, finance, and information technology.

They also considered terrorism as the common enemy of humanity, calling on regional countries and the international community to cooperate in fighting terrorism in all its forms.

Zardari and Wang touched on the situation in Ukraine, urging the parties involved to resolve the crisis through diplomacy and dialogue.

In addition, the two diplomats discussed the latest developments in Afghanistan, agreeing that peace and stability in Afghanistan are important for the region's development and prosperity.