Pakistan and China agreed to keep working closely on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). They said that Gwadar Port and the ML-1 railway project are very important for the next phase of CPEC.
This decision was made during the 6th Pakistan-China Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue. The meeting was led by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
Both countries said they want to speed up work on Gwadar’s development and improve the Karakoram Highway. They also welcomed other countries to join in the ML-1 railway project. Officials shared that an Austrian company is already interested in helping build it.
Read more: China and Pakistan prioritize KKH and ML-1 projects: Chinese Consul General
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said CPEC is a key part of the friendship between China and Pakistan. He explained that the new phase of CPEC will focus on helping people, protecting the environment, creating jobs, and opening up trade. He also said China wants to help Pakistan become stronger and more stable in the long term.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar thanked China for supporting Pakistan in many areas, including the economy, national security, and the fight against terrorism. He said Pakistan is fully committed to working together with China.
Both sides agreed to cooperate more at global platforms like the United Nations, where Pakistan is currently a non-permanent member.
Pakistan and China are also preparing for Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s upcoming visit to China. He will attend the SCO Heads of State Summit in Tianjin, where more CPEC-related talks will happen.
Wang Yi also showed concern about the recent floods in Pakistan and announced emergency aid. He praised Pakistan’s efforts in fighting terrorism and said he believes Pakistan will succeed.
As Pakistan and China get ready to celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2026, both countries plan to hold special joint events. Gwadar and the ML-1 project will remain key parts of CPEC as both nations continue to grow their partnership.
