Pakistan FM Ishaq Dar to visit China for talks on regional, economic cooperation

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will visit China on March 31 for high-level talks, the Foreign Office said Monday.

The visit follows an invitation from Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and comes amid evolving regional developments.

According to the Foreign Office, the trip will provide an opportunity for both sides to hold in-depth discussions on bilateral relations as well as key regional and global issues of mutual interest.

Pakistan and China share what officials describe as an “all-weather strategic cooperative partnership,” underpinned by longstanding political trust and economic cooperation.

Focus on cooperation

The relationship has expanded significantly under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a flagship component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative aimed at boosting connectivity, energy security, and economic development.

Officials said the upcoming talks will focus on enhancing cooperation across diplomacy, trade, and security.

The two sides are also expected to discuss regional stability, including developments in the Middle East, Afghanistan, and broader Asia.

Regional engagement

Diplomatic engagement between Islamabad and Beijing has intensified in recent months amid shifting geopolitical alignments.

Pakistan has been actively engaging regional partners, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt, positioning itself as a bridge for dialogue on key regional issues.

Officials said the visit reflects Islamabad’s continued emphasis on strengthening its strategic partnership with Beijing.

Notably, Dar is proceeding with the trip despite medical advice to rest after sustaining a minor shoulder fracture a day earlier.

The visit is expected to further reinforce bilateral cooperation and align positions on regional and global challenges.