Diplomat Wang Yi from China sets foot in Islamabad, planning a stay of three days.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi Begins Three-Day Official Visit to Pakistan

In a significant development, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi arrived in Islamabad on Wednesday for a three-day official visit at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. The visit, which precedes Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's scheduled visit to Beijing later this month, marks a strengthening of bilateral ties between the two nations.

Upon his arrival at Nur Khan Airbase, Wang was received by Ishaq Dar. The visit was marked by a warm welcome, with children in traditional attire presenting flowers to the visiting dignitary.

During his stay, Wang attended the Sixth Trilateral Foreign Ministers' Dialogue in Kabul, where representatives from Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan discussed various matters of mutual interest. The dialogue was attended by Dar and Afghanistan's Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.

The talks in Islamabad are expected to cover political, economic, and security cooperation, with a particular focus on counterterrorism and drug control. Additionally, the extension of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into Afghanistan was discussed, with the joint statement indicating that the extension would enhance trade, transit, and development opportunities for Afghanistan.

The extension of CPEC would link Afghanistan more closely with regional markets, providing a significant boost to the Afghan economy. Furthermore, collaboration in health, education, culture, and connectivity was also agreed upon, aiming to foster closer ties between the three nations.

The three sides pledged to strengthen cooperation in counterterrorism and drug control, reaffirming their commitment to deepen regional cooperation. Senior officials from the Foreign Ministry and the Chinese Embassy were present at the airbase, underscoring the importance of the visit.

During the SCO summit, Sharif is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping. The visit is for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, where key regional issues are expected to be discussed.

The Sixth Pakistan-China Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue will be held in Islamabad during Wang's visit, further solidifying the strong relationship between Pakistan and China. As the visit progresses, it is clear that the bilateral ties between Pakistan and China are set to grow stronger, with a focus on economic development, security, and regional cooperation.