On 3 July, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on the phone.
Noting the profound changes brought by COVID-19 to the world and growing factors of instability in regional and international landscapes, Wang stressed the need for China and Pakistan to jointly confront the risks and challenges, uphold their shared interests, and safeguard regional peace and stability. He commended the long-standing mutual understanding and support between China and Pakistan, stressing that the two countries, always standing closely together on issues concerning each other’s core interests, are reliable and sincere partners. At the 44th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council, Pakistan, together with over 50 countries, extended firm support to China’s legislation on national security in Hong Kong and opposed using it as a pretext to interfere in China’s internal affairs. Wang expressed China’s appreciation for Pakistan’s support. He pointed out that the widespread, friendly support to China reflects a common call from the international community for upholding fairness and justice and abiding by the basic norms governing international relations.
Wang highlighted that in COVID-19 response, China and Pakistan rendered each other medical supplies and set a prime example of international cooperation against the virus. The two countries will work to overcome the temporary difficulties caused by COVID-19 and steadily advance their cooperation on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). More CPEC resources will be used for local industries and people’s livelihood, with cooperation enhanced in such fields as healthcare, vocational training, poverty alleviation and agriculture. This will contribute to Pakistan’s ultimate victory against COVID-19 and an early economic recovery.
On the recent terrorist attack on the Pakistan Stock Exchange in Karachi, Wang said that China firmly supports Pakistan’s efforts to fight terrorism and safeguard national security. He expressed confidence that Pakistan will take even stronger measures to protect the Chinese personnel, institutions and projects in Pakistan, combat terrorist organizations and forge a sound and secure environment for bilateral cooperation and the development of CPEC.
Qureshi thanked China for its valuable support and assistance for Pakistan’s COVID-19 response and congratulated China on the successful High-level Video Conference on Belt and Road International Cooperation. He applauded China’s vision and efforts as helpful for the BRI partner countries to speed up economic recovery. Noting the delicate changes in regional and international landscapes, he underscored Pakistan’s readiness to coordinate more closely with China to uphold regional peace and stability.
Underlining the increasing importance of the BRI and CPEC cooperation to Pakistan, Qureshi reaffirmed Pakistan’s readiness to deepen cooperation and fast-track CPEC projects to boost both countries’ economic recovery. He said that the law on safeguarding national security in Hong Kong is entirely China’s internal affairs. Pakistan firmly opposes foreign interference in China’s internal affairs, remains fully committed to the one-China policy and will continue to stand by China on issues of its core interests.
The two foreign ministers also exchanged views on a number of other issues, including the situation in Kashmir, Afghanistan and South Asia.