ISLAMABAD/BEIJING – Pakistan’s youngest Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari discussed economic coordination, industrialisation, and the CPEC project with Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on his maiden trip to the neighboring country.
Both leaders met in the northwestern port city of Guangzhou, where the foreign minister arrived earlier today on his first bilateral visit at Wang’s invitation since assuming office in April.
Both the dignitaries exchanged views on efforts to boost bilateral ties and coordination. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and senior Pakistani officials accompanied Bilawal during delegation-level talks in Guangzhou.
Current regional and global developments also came under discussion during the meeting.
In a social media, the Bhutto scion thanked his Chinese counterpart for warm reception and gracious hospitality. “During wide-ranging talks with State Councilor Wang Yi, discussed enhanced economic engagement, trade, investments, industrialisation and CPEC cooperation. Issues facing students also discussed,” he wrote.
Such a delight to visit #Guangzhou, meet State Councilor & FM #WangYi, celebrate 71 years of 🇵🇰🇨🇳 enduring ties and discuss matters of mutual interest. I thank the State Councilor for warm reception & gracious hospitality in #China. pic.twitter.com/NaFY0cpZVq
— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) May 22, 2022
Pakistan embassy in China shared pictures of Wang showing Bilawal a photo album depicting Pakistan-China bilateral ties. Two FMs can also be seen cutting cake to commemorate 71 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties.
Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari along with Foreign Minister/ State Councillor https://t.co/dnzviQu90r Yi cutting cake to celebrate the 71 years of establishment of diplomatic ties between 🇵🇰🇨🇳 #PakFMinChina pic.twitter.com/UrwJ5uWOvD
— Pakistan Embassy China (@PakinChina_) May 22, 2022
Addressing a media briefing in the northern neighbouring country, the PPP leader highlighted the importance of ties with Beijing, saying China was the first country on his bilateral visit.
“Pakistan is committed to a one-China policy and will continue to support it in its policy,” Bilawal said, as he also offered condolences to the Chinese people on the death of three Chinese tutors in the Karachi University blast.
The young politician vowed not to allow forces to destroy bilateral ties between the iron brothers, saying Pakistan will not rest until the perpetrators of the KU blast are brought to justice.
Bilawal assured the Chinese workers of providing full security to them. “Pakistan associates paramount security to Chinese national,” he said while assuring that the country has taken special measures for their safety.
The newly appointed Foreign Minister stressed dialogue and diplomacy to resolve issues, adding that the prevailing situation in war-torn Afghanistan poses a threat to the region.
The two dignitaries also discussed the grave situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, with the PPP leader thanking China for its consistent support of the longstanding dispute.
FM Bilawal Bhutto condoles Karachi blast deaths during visit to Chinese embassy
Bhutto scion also invited the Chinese president and Chinese Foreign Minister during the meeting.
