BEIJING: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Monday called for a meaningful dialogue between neighbouring countries to ensure peace in South Asia.
Addressing scholars and researchers at the China Institute for International Strategic Studies (CIISS) here on the first day of his three-day official visit, Qureshi highlighted the recent developments in the region and Pakistan’s efforts to defuse tensions with India.
Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi says the advent of the second phase of #CPEC will initiate a new era of socio-economic development in Pakistan.
He was speaking at the China Institute for International Strategic Studies in Beijing. pic.twitter.com/vykyQTBcmg— Govt of Pakistan (@pid_gov) March 18, 2019
Commenting on the Pakistan-China relations, he termed the all-weather relationship as an anchor for regional stability.
Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi says the advent of the second phase of #CPEC will initiate a new era of socio-economic development in Pakistan.
He was speaking at the China Institute for International Strategic Studies in Beijing. pic.twitter.com/vykyQTBcmg— Govt of Pakistan (@pid_gov) March 18, 2019
Qureshi said that the start of the second phase of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will initiate a new era of socio-economic development in Pakistan.
Established in 1979 as a non-profit academic organisation, CIISS is one of the most prestigious think-tanks of China for its distinctive historical background, diversified multi-domain teams of experts, academic quality and policy influence.
The foreign minister also met the leadership of CIISS, led by Vice Chairman Major General (r) Gong Xianfu.
Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi took a round of China Institute for International Strategic Studies in Beijing and recorded his impressions in the visitors’ book. pic.twitter.com/uMMUTRtwrj
— Govt of Pakistan (@pid_gov) March 18, 2019
The address comes a day before the first strategic dialogue between foreign ministers of the two countries scheduled in Beijing on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said.
As agreed by the two sides, the dialogue will be co-chaired by State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Pakistani counterpart Qureshi, the spokesperson added.
Upon his arrival in Bejing, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Yao Jing and Pakistan’s Ambassador to China Masood Khalid, along with other Pakistani embassy officials, received Qureshi at the airport. The foreign minister was presented with flowers by Yao.
During Qureshi’s visit, both sides will hold comprehensive discussions on the entire range of bilateral relations, including CPEC. Both sides will also discuss the regional situation and cooperation at multilateral fora.
The foreign minister will also address the Political Parties Forum on the CPEC and participate in the ruling parties’ dialogue between the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf and the Communist Party of China. He will also call on Chinese leadership.
