Pakistan, China share 'converging vision' on regional and global issues: Dar

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar told the Senate on Wednesday that Pakistan and China hold aligned views on regional and international matters, as the two countries mark 75 years of diplomatic relations.

A Chinese delegation was present in the visitors’ gallery during the Senate session to commemorate the anniversary of diplomatic ties between Islamabad and Beijing. In his remarks, Dar said the relationship between the two countries reflected close coordination on major international questions.

Addressing the upper house, Dar said Pakistan and China shared common positions on a range of issues beyond bilateral cooperation. He linked that alignment to the broader challenges facing the international system and said both countries remained committed to multilateral principles.

"Pakistan and China share a converging vision on regional and global issues. We are committed to upholding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter in a world facing complex challenges," Dar said.

Cooperation at international forums

The foreign minister said coordination between Pakistan and China at the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and other international platforms had played an important role in supporting the interests of developing nations and advancing peace efforts globally.

According to Dar, this cooperation has been significant in multilateral settings where both countries have worked on issues affecting the wider developing world. He told senators that such engagement remained important at a time of complex international challenges.

The Senate address came as Pakistan and China continue to observe the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, a milestone highlighted by the presence of the visiting Chinese delegation in parliament.

Upcoming China visit

During his speech, Dar also informed the Senate that he would accompany Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on an official visit to China scheduled from May 23 to 26. He said the delegation would also take part in events being held in connection with the anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

The visit, as outlined by Dar in the Senate, will combine official engagements with participation in celebrations linked to the 75-year relationship between Pakistan and China.

His remarks in parliament underscored the government’s emphasis on ties with Beijing, particularly in the context of regional and global diplomacy and cooperation in international institutions.

Dar’s statement focused on the shared outlook of the two countries on international affairs, their support for the principles of the United Nations Charter, and their coordination in forums such as the UN and the SCO.

The Senate session also served as a symbolic occasion for the anniversary, with the Chinese delegation’s attendance reflecting the significance both sides are attaching to the 75th year of formal diplomatic relations.