by Liao Yifan

TIANJIN, July 17 (China Economic Net) -- Pakistan has expressed appreciation for China's deep-rooted commitment to multilateralism and its role in strengthening SCO as the Chair this year, as Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Tianjin on Wednesday.

Dar said Pakistan values the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) as a platform of immense political, strategic and economic importance. At a time when the global order is experiencing profound challenges, SCO has emerged as a stabilizing force.

Wang expressed willingness to work with Pakistan to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, and continue to firmly support each other on issues concerning each other's core interests.

China supports Pakistan in focusing on handling its own affairs, achieving independent and sustainable development, and continuously enhancing its comprehensive national strength, Wang said, adding that China is willing to enhance strategic dialogue with Pakistan, jointly build the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor to a high level, and deepen cooperation on agriculture, industry, and mining.

Dar said that China's inclusive approach underscoring the sovereign equality of states and seeking peaceful resolutions to disputes, offers a compelling alternative to aggression, confrontation and zero-sum rivalries. While SCO's commitment to consensus, development, and mutual respect is a beacon of hope for building a better and equitable world.

Noting that unjustified and illegitimate aggression by Israel against the Islamic Republic of lran and the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, Dar said that Pakistan believes in non-aggression, noninterference in internal affairs, and non-use of force or threat of its use in international relations.

Dar also stressed that the "two-State solution" remains the only viable way out of the turmoil in the Middle East, and emphasized on resolution of longstanding disputes through peaceful means, dialogue, diplomacy and according to the principles of international law, justice and fairness.

Wang said that China supports Pakistan in resolutely advancing its counterterrorism efforts and expressed confidence that Pakistan will continue to take effective measures to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel, projects, and institutions in the country.