Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar landed in Beijing on Monday to co-chair the 5th Pakistan-China Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue, according to statements from the Foreign Office (FO).
Upon his arrival, Dar was warmly welcomed by Ambassador Wang Fu Kang and Pakistan’s envoy to China, Dr. Khalil Hashmi, highlighting the significance of his visit. The strategic dialogue, which Dar will co-chair with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, aims to cover various dimensions of the robust Pakistan-China relations.
During his four-day trip from May 13 to May 16, Dar is scheduled to hold meetings with Chinese leaders, senior officials, and key business enterprises. The agenda includes a comprehensive review of bilateral affairs, focusing on economic and trade cooperation, high-level exchanges, and the enhancement of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) alongside future connectivity initiatives.
The discussions are expected to delve into the evolving regional geopolitical landscape and bilateral cooperation within multilateral forums. Emphasizing the regular high-level exchanges between the two friendly nations, the FO highlighted the importance of further deepening the ‘All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership.’
Dar’s visit underscores the mutual commitment to reinforcing joint efforts for regional peace and development, as well as the strengthening of economic ties, particularly through initiatives like CPEC. This visit marks Dar’s first to Beijing since the PML-N-led government assumed power following the February 8 general elections.
Notably, this visit follows Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal’s recent trip to China, aimed at engaging existing investors, financial institutions, and expanding participation in CPEC’s second phase, particularly in the transmission and distribution network.
Prior to this visit, Dar had a significant meeting with Zheng Jianbang, the vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China, during the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation summit in The Gambia. This reaffirmed both countries’ determination to enhance and upgrade cooperation on CPEC projects, signaling a continued commitment to bilateral economic collaboration and regional development.