Friday in Beijing, Foreign Secretary Dr. Asad Majeed Khan met with China’s State Councillor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang to discuss ways to expand their bilateral strategic alliance.
In the midst of Pakistan’s worsening economic problems, which have produced an urgent need for economic help to prevent the financial collapse, the foreign secretary arrived in China on Thursday.
The foreign secretary underlined the kinship between the two nations in his talk with his Chinese colleague, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Majeed was quoted as saying that “China and Pakistan are iron brothers, trusted friends, and enduring partners for peace and development,” adding that Qin Gang.
Had reaffirmed China’s strong commitment to the “China-Pakistan All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership” and to continue providing unwavering support to Pakistan in all areas.
The statement further stated that Qin and Majeed reiterated the “importance of China-Pakistan strategic partnerships in the growing regional and international milieu and underlined with satisfaction the sustained momentum in the relationship”.
The two also concurred to build on the understanding reached during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s November 2022 trip to Beijing in order to advance comprehensive cooperation in a variety of areas.
Including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), trade and investment, financial cooperation, socioeconomic development, cultural exchanges, and interpersonal relations.
It was previously claimed that a Chinese bank had guaranteed Pakistan of giving another refinanced $500 million loan over the next few days as the nation’s economic situation deepens.
Out of the total $2 billion promised, the Chinese loan will amount to $1.7 billion.
This was one of the requirements set forth by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). According to which Pakistan had to ensure the refinancing of commercial loans.
And a rollover of Chinese deposits over the program’s period of time, which is set to end in June 2023.
The forthcoming Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) conference, which is slated to take place in the fall, will be attended by the foreign minister, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari. Who made this announcement on Thursday while speaking with the state broadcaster China Global Television Network (CGTN).
Of course, we would [attend the BRI conference], Bilawal had remarked. Pakistan has the CPEC, which has advanced significantly over time.
I am looking forward to taking part in such summit and sharing with the world what we have accomplished thus far and what we hope to accomplish together in the future.
