China has opened a new embassy in Pakistan, its “largest overseas” diplomatic mission, which Foreign Minister Wang Yi described as a symbol of friendship between the “all weather” allies.
“As China’s largest overseas embassy, it is a symbol of friendship between China and Pakistan,” state-run China Daily quoted Mr. Wang as saying. It however did not provide the details of the new embassy. An opening ceremony was held on February 13, during Mr. Wang’s visit to Islamabad.
China maintains large diplomatic missions abroad including Washington, New York and New Delhi. Its mission in New Delhi has over 300 personnel, according to officials.
The opening of the new Islamabad embassy came as China and Pakistan deepen their all weather relations with the construction of the multi-billion Economic Corridor through the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK).
The Corridor, which is part of the Silk Road projects proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping aims to connect China’s Xinjiang with Pakistan Gwadar Port in Balochistan province neighbouring Iran.
China also set to construct two 1,100 nuclear reactors with $6.5 billion in addition to the four medium size reactors.
The daily said Mr. Wang’s two-day visit to Pakistan is seen as a preparation for the upcoming visit of Chinese President Xi.
Mr. Yi said President Xi will make a state visit to Pakistan at the earliest possible date this year.
“This will be President Xi’s first visit to Pakistan as head of state,” Mr. Wang said.
Mr. Xi was scheduled to go to Pakistan last September but the trip was postponed due to domestic situation in Pakistan.
