Deputy PM Dar in Beijing to co-chair 7th Pakistan–China Strategic Dialogue

Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar gestures at Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, on January 3, 2026. (Pakistan Foreign Office)
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Updated 03 January 2026
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Deputy PM Dar in Beijing to co-chair 7th Pakistan–China Strategic Dialogue

  • The foreign ministers’ dialogue is the highest consultative mechanism between Pakistan and China to review bilateral cooperation
  • The two ministers will also announce a series of initiatives, activities to mark 75th anniversary of Pakistan-China diplomatic ties

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has arrived in Beijing to co-chair the 7th Pakistan–China Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue, the Pakistani foreign office said on Saturday.

The strategic dialogue is the highest consultative mechanism between Pakistan and China, providing a structured platform to review the entire spectrum of bilateral cooperation as well as regional and international developments of mutual interest.

Dar will co-chair the dialogue with Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Sunday.

“The Dialogue will review the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation, identify new areas of partnership, and further advance the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership between Pakistan and China,” the Pakistani foreign office said.

Pakistan and China have longstanding strategic, political, economic, defense and cultural relations. Both Islamabad and Beijing maintain close coordination on regional and international issues, frequently supporting each other’s core interests at multilateral forums.

China has also been an important investment partner for Pakistan and has funneled billions of dollars into the country under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) energy and infrastructure project for over a decade.

During the visit, the two foreign ministers will also announce a series of initiatives and commemorative activities to mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China in 2026.

“The visit forms an important part of the regular high-level exchanges between the two countries and reflects their shared determination to broaden and deepen the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership, while reaffirming their mutual commitment to regional peace, stability, and sustainable development,” the Pakistani foreign office said.


Pakistan inaugurates new consulate building in Jeddah, pledges improved services for expatriates

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Pakistan inaugurates new consulate building in Jeddah, pledges improved services for expatriates

  • Deputy PM Ishaq Dar says government is committed to easing consular access for overseas Pakistanis
  • The Kingdom is home to one of Pakistan’s largest overseas communities and a key source of remittances

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Saturday inaugurated a new chancery building for its consulate in the Saudi city of Jeddah, underlining the government’s resolve to improve consular services for millions of Pakistanis living and working in the Kingdom.

The inauguration was led by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, as Islamabad strengthens diplomatic infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, home to one of Pakistan’s largest overseas communities and a key source of remittances.

During the ceremony, Dar praised the efforts of the Consulate General of Pakistan in Jeddah and acknowledged the support of Saudi authorities in completing the project, according to a statement from Pakistan’s foreign ministry.

“The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar inaugurated the new chancery building in a small and graceful ceremony in Jeddah,” the statement said.

“He emphasized that the government is committed to facilitating overseas Pakistanis through provision of effective consular services,” it added.

The ceremony included the hoisting of Pakistan’s flag, a tree plantation at the chancery premises, ribbon cutting and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque, followed by prayers for Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

Dar later reviewed the facilities and authorized the transfer of consular operations to the new chancery at the earliest, expressing satisfaction over the completion of the project.

Western Saudi Arabia is home to around 1.8 million Pakistanis, said the statement, adding that the new building is expected to ease access to consular and administrative services for the community.