Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi held a telephonic conversation with Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday to reaffirm the depth and breadth of Pakistan and China’s “All-Weather Strategic Co-operative Partnership”, shared Foreign Office (FO) in a statement.

According to the press release issued by the FO, in a call that lasted for an hour, the two leaders exchanged views about COVID-19, bilateral relations, and regional and international issues of mutual interest. During the conversation, the FM reiterated that Pakistan was committed to the ‘One-China’ policy and firmly supported China on issues of its core interest including Taiwan, Xinjiang, Tibet, Hong Kong, and the South China Sea. Foreign Minister also underscored that the deep-rooted relationship between China and Pakistan was aimed at promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.

China assures Pakistan to provide over 1 million COVID-19 vaccine doses:

The two leaders also discussed the situation of COVID-19. Qureshi said that both Pakistan and China "were making strenuous efforts to contain and combat the COVID-19 and, in that regard, had established various mechanisms that were playing a useful role in controlling the pandemic, resuming economic growth, and restoring supply chains across the region."

Foreign Minister Qureshi emphasized that China had made remarkable achievements in developing COVID-19 vaccines, adding that the Phase-III clinical trials of China’s vaccine were progressing well in Pakistan. He maintained that the government had approved the Sinopharm vaccine for emergency use in Pakistan and expressed hope for its early availability from China. Foreign Minister Wang Yi assured that China would work to provide over one million doses of the vaccine to Pakistan for emergency use, according to the statement by the FO.

Pakistan and China affirm to continue efforts for peace and stability in the region:

During the conversation, both foreign ministers affirmed to continue efforts for peace and stability in the region and particularly Afghanistan. Qureshi also briefed the Chinese State Councilor about India’s aggressive posture in the region and how New Delhi’s bellicose and irresponsible policies were imperiling regional peace and stability.