By Makhdoom
Shehryar Babar
BEIJING: Pakistan and China discussed bilateral relations, agreeing to expand and reinforce political and security cooperation, bilateral trade, economic and financial cooperation, cultural exchanges, tourism, and people-to-people ties, Deplomatic sources say.
The two sides shared their views during the third round of Pakistan-China Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC) — which is a regular institutional mechanism between both countries — held in Beijing on March 18.
Foreign Secretary Dr Asad Majeed Khan led the Pakistan delegation while the Chinese side was headed by Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong.
According to our sources, Pakistan and China will also enhance high-level engagements and dialogue mechanisms and make the channels of communication even more robust.
Noting the completion of a decade of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to CPEC which remains a major pillar of bilateral cooperation and a symbol of ever-deepening friendship between both countries.
They also agreed to remain engaged in the expansion of CPEC including on participation of third parties to enhance regional connectivity and cooperation.
Dr Majeed thanked the Chinese side for its consistent and generous support for the economic stability of Pakistan and the humanitarian assistance during the devastating floods in 2022. Meanwhile, Sun reaffirmed China’s support for Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and economic security.
“The two sides exchanged views on a range of regional and global issues of mutual interest and expressed satisfaction over their close cooperation and engagement on important regional developments including in Afghanistan,” said the statement issued by Pakistan Foreign Office.
It added that Pakistan and China will further strengthen dialogue and cooperation in multilateral platforms.
The Basic Principles Committee (BPC) was a specialized committee set up in March 1949 by Khawaja Nazimuddin on the advice of prime minister Liaquat Ali Khan. The committee’s sole purpose was to determine the basic underlying principles that would determine future constitutions and legislature in Pakistan. Initial recommendations and proposals suggested by the BPC were strongly criticized in the local media and the public.
