India influences China to ignore Pakistan at 'High-level Dialogue on Global Development'

ISLAMABAD: Officials of Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed on Monday that India had successfully influenced China to keep Pakistan at an arm’s length when it comes to the High-level Dialogue on Global Development hosted by China last week.

Responding to a query, Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO) on Monday confirmed that a member of the five-nation summit BRICS "blocked Pakistan's participation" in a dialogue for non-member states held virtually on the sidelines of the event last week.

“We have noted that this year a "High-level Dialogue on Global Development" was held as a BRICS side event in which a number of developing/emerging economies were invited. China being the host country engaged with Pakistan prior to the BRICS meetings, where decisions are taken after consultations with all BRICS members, including extending an invitation to non-members. Regrettably, one member blocked Pakistan’s participation. However, we do hope that future engagement of the organization would be based on the principles of inclusivity keeping in view the overall interests of the developing world and in a manner that is devoid of narrow geo-political considerations,” a statement issued from the office of the Spokesperson of Pakistan’s Foreign Office stated on Monday.

The Spokesperson was responding to media queries about a ‘High-level Dialogue on Global Development’ held virtually on the sidelines of the BRICS meetings.

The Spokesperson further stated that Pakistan congratulates China on the successful hosting of the BRICS meetings and appreciates China’s role in promoting the interests of the developing countries. The Spokesperson, however, added that Pakistan and China have a strong relationship.

“Together with China, Pakistan has been a strong voice for global peace, shared prosperity, and inclusive development. Pakistan is the current chair of G77+China and is also part of a group of friends of the Global Development Initiative(GDI). Pakistan and China are all-weather strategic partners and our iron brotherhood remains rock solid. The two countries are fully committed to take our all-round cooperation to higher levels both bilaterally and multilaterally,” the Spokesperson said adding that Pakistan stands ready to work with all developing countries, including the BRICS members for addressing the challenges faced by the global community.

It is worth noting that the BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) brings together five of the largest developing countries in the world, representing 41 per cent of the global population, 24pc of the global GDP and 16pc of the global trade. This year, China is hosting the summit in its capacity as the chair of the group.

A spokesperson of Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs told NewsDrum that decision to hold the high level dialogue on Global development was based on consultation among BRICS countries.

“The decision to hold the high-level dialogue on Global development was based on consultation among BRICS countries. China and Pakistan are all weather strategic cooperative partners. Pakistan is important member of the Group of friends of the Global Development Initiative. China Highly values the important role of Pakistan in promoting global developments, advancing implementation of of the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable development and boosting regional cooperation. China and Pakistan maintain close communication and coordination. We have conducted substantial cooperation in the field of development which has delivered the tangible benefits to the people in both countries wand the region. Pakistan remains a priority partner for China in implementing the Global Development Initiative and we will continue to work with Pakistan to advance the global development agenda,” Lijian Zhao, the spokesperson of China’s ministry of Foreign Affairs told NewsDrum.