Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Saturday called for further strengthening Pakistan’s strategic partnership with China across a wide range of sectors.
Dar made the remarks during a meeting with Pakistan’s Ambassador-designate to China, Ali Asad Gilani, ahead of the envoy’s departure for his new diplomatic assignment, Foreign Office spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan said in a statement.
The deputy prime minister emphasised the importance of further deepening the two countries’ “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership” and highlighted trade and investment, connectivity and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) among key areas for enhanced cooperation.
He also identified agriculture, science and technology, education and people-to-people exchanges as important areas in which Islamabad and Beijing could further expand their bilateral relationship.
Dar congratulated Gilani on his appointment and reiterated the special importance Pakistan places on its longstanding and “time-tested” relationship with China.
He also praised Gilani’s work as Additional Secretary for Asia Pacific at the Foreign Office and expressed confidence that his diplomatic experience would help further strengthen Pakistan-China relations.
Dar wished the ambassador-designate a successful tenure in Beijing.
Gilani will succeed Ambassador Khalil Hashmi, who has completed his tenure as Pakistan’s envoy to China after assuming the position in November 2023.