ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will embark on a three-day official visit to China from Monday (tomorrow) to discuss with the Chinese leadership the evolving regional situation in South Asia and its implications for peace and stability, according to a statement issued by the Foreign Office on Sunday.
The visit comes amid heightened regional tensions following the recent military confrontation between Pakistan and India, and the subsequent ceasefire brokered by US President Trump and other friendly countries.
The Foreign Office announced on Sunday that Dar will visit Beijing from May 19 to May 21 at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The two leaders are scheduled to hold comprehensive discussions on the evolving regional situation in South Asia and its broader implications for peace and stability.
“The two sides will also review the entire spectrum of Pakistan-China bilateral relations and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest,” the FO said, adding the visit was part of the ongoing high-level exchanges between Pakistan and China.
The visit will also include a review of the full range of bilateral relations between Pakistan and China, along with an exchange of views on international and regional developments. Officials said the trip is part of ongoing high-level engagements aimed at reinforcing the strategic partnership between the two countries.
On May 20, Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi will also arrive in China to take part in the sixth round of the trilateral meeting with both countries. The session is expected to focus on regional security cooperation and political coordination.
China recently reaffirmed its support for Pakistan during the conflict with India, with its ambassador in Islamabad calling the bilateral relationship one of “ironclad brothers.” Pakistan’s military launched Operation Bunyanum Marsoos in response to Indian airstrikes, targeting military sites across the Line of Control.
The conflict, which lasted 87 hours and ended on May 10 with a US-brokered ceasefire, resulted in the deaths of 53 people in Pakistan, including 13 military personnel and 40 civilians. India had accused Pakistan of being behind an attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 tourists, but did not provide evidence to support its claim.
