Bilateral Meeting of the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs (SAPM) with the Chinese Foreign Minister
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, and the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs (SAPM), Syed Tariq Fatemi, held a bilateral meeting with the Foreign Minister of China, H.E. Wang Yi,today in Washington DC, on the sidelines of Nuclear Security Summit (NSS).
The Chinese Foreign Minister expressed his profound sadness and deepest condolences at the loss of precious lives, as a result of the recent terrorist attack in Lahore. He underscored that Pakistan had been at the forefront of the global fight against the scourge of terrorism, and the whole world acknowledged the sacrifices made by the people and the security forces of Pakistan in this struggle.
The SAPM thanked the Chinese Foreign Minister for his condolences and expressions of warm sentiments towards the people of Pakistan, and underscored that terrorism posed a common threat to both Pakistan and China. He reiterated Pakistan’s firm and unequivocal resolve to continue its resolute efforts against the scourge of terrorism.
The Special Assistant underlined that Pakistan and China enjoyed all-weather, strategic partnership, which had been further strengthened through the initiation of numerous bilateral projects, in particular the flag-ship China Pakistan Economic Corridor Project (CPEC) . He stressed that this transformative project would not only contribute towards the economic development and prosperity of the peoples of Pakistan and China, but also of the entire region. He also briefed the Chinese Foreign Minister on the steps being taken by Pakistan for the early materialization of the CPEC related projects, as well as to provide complete security to those engaged in these projects.
Outlining the Prime Minister’s vision for a peaceful neighborhood and greater regional connectivity, the Special Assistant outlined the numerous initiatives taken by Pakistan for regional peace and stability, as well as to unleash the economic and trade potential of the region.
The Chinese Foreign Minister expressed satisfaction at the positive trajectory of the ever strengthening strategic partnership between the two countries, and reaffirmed China’s commitment for an early completion of the CPEC related initiatives. He stressed that in order to mark the 65th anniversdary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two brotherly countries, both sides should continue exploring the possibility of increasing high-level contacts.
Issues pertaining to disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation, in the backdrop of the Nuclear Security Summit also came under discussion during the meeting.
The meeting was held in an extremely cordial atmosphere.
March 31, 2016
Washington D.C
