ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Chinese Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang exchanged views on important matters, including the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), during a meeting here in Beijing on Wednesday.
According to the Foreign Office, the minister expressed condolences over the Shangla attack in which five Chinese nationals were killed when a suicide bomber rammed his explosives-laden car into a vehicle carrying Chinese workers.
While lauding the services of the fallen Chinese citizens, Dar assured Vice Premier Xuexiang of adopting a zero-tolerance approach towards the perpetrators of the attack.
During the meeting, the two sides agreed to sustain the growing momentum of Pakistan-China relations in all areas of cooperation and to further deepen the iron-clad friendship.
The Chinese vice-premier reaffirmed the importance of prompt implementation of CPEC projects for mutual prosperity and development.
He expressed his country's full support to Pakistan in all areas of cooperation, including economy, trade and investment.
Dar noted the progress attained in the sectors of energy and infrastructure under the CPEC, expressing confidence at the positive dividends under CPEC Phase-II in the fields of industry, agriculture and mineral development.
Connectivity through Khunjerab border crossing and a simplified visa regime were also discussed in the meeting which was also attended by senior officials from both sides.