ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi left for China Thursday to lead Pakistan in the second round of the China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue, and hold talks with Chinese leadership on issues of mutual interest and regional situations. Foreign Minister Qureshi was accompanied by senior officials in the two-day official visit to Hainan, China, from 20-21 August 2020.

The talks will focus on the promotion of bilateral cooperation in various fields, including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Phase-II. In his video message before departing for China, Qureshi said that he was leaving for China on a "very important visit". "I spoke with the prime minister yesterday about my trip...my delegation will reflect the thoughts of political and military leadership of Pakistan," he said.

Qureshi further said that he was hopeful that his meeting with Foreign Minster Wang Yi would prove to be beneficial for both the countries. According to Foreign Office spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri, the foreign minister would lead Pakistan side in the second round of the China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue.

The Chinese side will be led by State Councilor and Foreign Minster Wang Yi. The first meeting of the dialogue was held in March last year. During the dialogue, he said that both sides will, inter alia, discuss cooperation on Covid-19, bilateral relations and regional and international issues of mutual interest.

"The visit will play an important role in further strengthening Pakistan-China 'All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership' and deepen strategic communication and coordination with China on a range of issues," he said. He said that Pakistan and China were the closest friends and staunch partners.

He said that the time-tested friendship of Pakistan and China was based on unparalleled mutual trust, understanding, and commonality of interests. "Both sides are fully committed to building closer China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future," he added.

To a question, the spokesperson clarified that the foreign minister's visit to China had nothing to do with the reported tension between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. He also rejected the media reports in this regard as incorrect.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020