Dar calls for stronger Pakistan-China strategic ties

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has called for further strengthening Pakistan’s longstanding strategic partnership with China.

Dar made the remarks during a meeting with Pakistan’s Ambassador-designate to China, Ali Asad Gilani, on Saturday. Foreign Office spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan said the two sides discussed the importance of advancing bilateral cooperation.

The deputy prime minister said Pakistan attaches great importance to its time-tested relationship with China. He emphasised the need to expand cooperation across several key sectors.

Trade and investment were identified as major areas for further collaboration. Dar also highlighted connectivity and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as important components of the bilateral partnership.

Agriculture, science and technology were also discussed as areas with significant potential. Dar stressed the importance of greater cooperation in education and people-to-people contacts as well.

The deputy prime minister congratulated Gilani on his appointment as Pakistan’s next ambassador to China. He expressed confidence that Gilani’s diplomatic experience would help further strengthen relations between the two countries.

Dar also appreciated Gilani’s services as Additional Secretary for Asia Pacific at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He wished the ambassador-designate success during his upcoming assignment in Beijing.

Gilani is set to replace Khalil Hashmi, who has completed his tenure as Pakistan’s ambassador to China. Hashmi began his posting in Beijing in November 2023.

Dar had announced Gilani’s appointment a day earlier. In a statement on social media, he said Hashmi would return to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after completing his assignment.

Dar praised Hashmi for his contribution to strengthening the longstanding friendship between Pakistan and China.

He said Gilani would succeed Hashmi as Pakistan’s next ambassador to China. The appointment comes as Islamabad seeks to further expand economic, strategic and diplomatic engagement with Beijing.

Pakistan and China maintain close ties across political, economic, defence and development sectors. Both countries have also continued efforts to enhance cooperation under CPEC and broaden bilateral economic engagement.