FM Shah Mahmood Qureshi will leave for China today for a two-day visit

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Friday that at the invitation of the Chinese Foreign Minister, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmoud Qureshi will set off today for a two-day visit to China.

The statement said: “At the invitation of State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Foreign Minister Qureshi will visit China from July 23 to 24.” It added that the Foreign Minister will be accompanied by senior officials.

During the visit, the top diplomat of Pakistan will focus on “further deepening bilateral relations”, China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), defense and security cooperation, COVID-19 vaccine, counter-terrorism, and regional and international issues.
There is no mention of the Dasu incident. In that incident, nine Chinese were killed, after which Prime Minister Imran Khan directed the Minister of Interior and Foreign Affairs to visit China.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Qureshi’s visit will play an important role in further strengthening the “all-weather strategic partnership” between Islamabad and Beijing, and will expand Pakistan and China’s “strategic communication and coordination” on various issues.

This visit coincides with Pakistan and China celebrating the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

FO stated that it has planned to host more than 100 events, of which more than 60 events have been held.

The statement said: “These celebrations have greatly injected new vitality and warmth into traditional friendship.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated that Pakistan and China are closest friends and firm partners, adding that the time-tested relationship is “based on unparalleled mutual trust, understanding and common interests”.

He also stated that the two sides are fully committed to building a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future.