Dar reaffirms Pakistan's commitment to China partnership
Dar urged wider exchanges between think-tanks, universities and institutions as the two countries mark 75 years of diplomatic ties.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to strengthening its partnership with China on Monday, the state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported.
Speaking at a symposium in Islamabad, Dar called for more exchanges between the two countries' think-tanks, universities and institutions, particularly on governance, poverty alleviation and development planning.
He said engaging young people was essential to carrying the friendship forward.
Dar noted that the two countries are celebrating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, which he described as an all-weather strategic cooperative partnership built on mutual trust, respect and support.
He said the relationship draws strength from a broad political consensus in Pakistan in support of ties with China, and that the friendship has served as a source of peace and stability in the region and beyond.
The deputy prime minister expressed appreciation for China's progress over the years, and said Pakistan has made significant strides toward economic self-reliance and stabilization.
Dar said the country is now moving toward economic consolidation, which he linked to macroeconomic discipline, institutional modernization, digital tax administration and simplified regulations.
Liu Haixing, minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China, said in his remarks that the two countries have always relied on each other.
Liu also acknowledged that Pakistan's political parties have long supported the friendship, and said both sides have built a strong political foundation for bilateral relations.
Pakistan and China established diplomatic relations in 1951, and their ties have since expanded into economic cooperation, including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a flagship project under China's Belt and Road Initiative.
