By Khawaja Hamza
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan and China on Monday held the third round of their Spokespersons’ Dialogue in Islamabad, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in media engagement, strategic communication and public diplomacy.
The dialogue was held between Ambassador Sajjad Haider Khan, Spokesperson of Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Mao Ning, Spokesperson of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The second round of the dialogue was held virtually in October 2022.
The discussions focused on enhancing cooperation between the two foreign ministries through closer coordination, regular consultations and increased exchanges to promote mutual understanding and further deepen the longstanding friendship between Pakistan and China.
During her visit to Pakistan, Mao Ning also called on Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan also attended the meeting.
Dar welcomed Mao Ning to Pakistan for the Spokespersons’ Dialogue and reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm commitment to further strengthening the Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership, rooted in mutual trust, respect and unwavering support for each other.
He appreciated the regular consultations and exchanges between the two countries at all levels, noting that the Spokespersons’ Dialogue provides an important platform to enhance media cooperation, strategic communication and public diplomacy.
Dar emphasised that stronger cooperation in these areas would help foster greater mutual understanding, advance bilateral relations and bring the people of both countries closer together.
Mao Ning conveyed greetings from Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, which Dar reciprocated with warm regards and best wishes for the Chinese foreign minister.
The Chinese spokesperson reaffirmed China’s commitment to its close partnership with Pakistan and appreciated Islamabad’s constructive role in promoting regional peace, stability and dialogue.
Both sides expressed satisfaction with the ongoing cooperation between their respective foreign ministries and reiterated their commitment to maintaining close coordination and regular engagement through the Spokespersons’ Dialogue mechanism.
The two countries underscored the importance of strengthening communication and people-to-people ties to further deepen their longstanding friendship and All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership.
