ISLAMABAD: After Pakistan approved the Chinese Sinopharm vaccine against COVID-19, China assured to ensure the provision of over a million doses for emergency use.
The matter was discussed in a telephonic conversation between Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and China’s State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
Foreign Minister Qureshi said that third phase of clinical trials of the Chinese vaccine were progressing well in Pakistan and hoped that it would be made available early in the country.
He emphasised that China had made a remarkable achievement in developing COVID-19 vaccines. 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.
During the conversation, both leaders exchanged views on COVID-19, bilateral relations, and regional and international issues of mutual interest.
Foreign Minister Qureshi underlined that Pakistan was making strenuous efforts to contain and combat the pandemic and has resumed economic growth and restoring supply chains across the region.
The foreign minister underscored that the deep-rooted relationship between China and Pakistan was aimed at promoting peace, stability and prosperity in the region.
Foreign Minister Qureshi briefed State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi about India’s aggressive posture in the region and how New Delhi’s irresponsible policies were imperiling regional peace and stability.
He also emphasized that Pakistan and China must continue to closely coordinate efforts to advance the shared objectives of peace, stability and economic development in Afghanistan.
Qureshi underscored that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was a transformational project and would become the hub of trade and economic activity and sustainable development.
He underlined that Pakistan and China were taking relevant measures for the timely completion of CPEC projects and underscored that the 10th JCC meeting would play an instrumental role in this regard.
Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed satisfaction over Pakistan and China’s cooperation on regional and international issues. He expressed hope that the next year would witness the further deepening of Pakistan-China time-tested relationship.
Both agreed to maintain strategic communication and consultation at all levels to promote mutual goals of peace and stability in the region and beyond. Foreign Minister Wang Yi extended an invitation to Qureshi to visit China to maintain the momentum of high-level exchanges,
