BEIJING: Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, has left for Islamabad after a successful five-day official trip to China. During his visit, he participated in the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation and engaged in bilateral meetings with key Chinese leaders, including President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang.
Chinese officials including CPC Xinjiang Standing Member Illizat Ahmetjan, and Pakistani diplomatic staff in China were also present to see off the Prime Minister at Urumqi International Airport.
The trip was aimed at strengthening the existing bond between Pakistan and China and exploring new opportunities for cooperation. The visit commenced with an invitation from President Xi Jinping, highlighting the significance of Pakistan in the context of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the two nations’ all-weather friendship. Prime Minister Kakar’s visit took place from October 16 to 20, 2023, and it yielded several important outcomes.
In a series of meetings, President Xi Jinping, Prime Minister Li Qiang, and Mr. Li Xi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), discussed various aspects of the China-Pakistan relationship. The atmosphere during these meetings was warm and cordial, resulting in extensive consensus on several critical issues.
The leaders reaffirmed the strategic and cooperative partnership between China and Pakistan, emphasizing that mutual trust remains at the core of this relationship. Both nations consider each other “iron brothers,” with a time-tested and unbreakable friendship. China reiterated its commitment to prioritizing the Pakistan relationship, while Pakistan emphasized that its relationship with China is the cornerstone of its foreign policy.
The leaders decided to view their partnership from a strategic and long-term perspective, moving forward together to accelerate the development of a closer China-Pakistan Community with a Shared Future in the new era.
The two sides expressed unwavering support for each other on issues related to core interests and major concerns. Pakistan reaffirmed its firm commitment to the one-China Principle and its recognition of Taiwan as an inalienable part of China’s territory. Pakistan also stood in solidarity with China on various issues, including those related to the South China Sea, Hong Kong, Xinjiang, and Xizang.
In return, China reiterated its support for Pakistan in safeguarding its sovereignty, national independence, and territorial integrity, as well as its efforts in fighting terrorism and playing a more significant role in regional and international affairs.
Both sides congratulated each other on their respective successes. Pakistan commended China for successfully organizing the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. China appreciated Pakistan’s consistent support for and participation in Belt and Road cooperation.
The Belt and Road Initiative was hailed as a powerful driver of global economic growth and a platform for international economic cooperation. It was recognized as an essential tool for common development worldwide and a critical practice in building a community with a shared future for humanity. Both nations committed to enhancing their cooperation in Belt and Road projects.
CPEC Enters New Phase of High-Quality Development
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a pioneering project of the BRI, was acknowledged as a significant success in its ten-year history and was declared to have entered a new phase of high-quality development. The two sides pledged to transform CPEC into an exemplary project of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.
Both nations agreed to expedite the development of Gwadar Port, recognizing its importance as a crucial node in cross-regional connectivity. Progress in various projects such as the desalination plant, the New Gwadar International Airport (NGIA), and the Pak-China Friendship Hospital was reviewed, with a shared commitment to making Gwadar a high-quality port and regional trade hub.
نگران وزیر اعظم انوار الحق کاکڑ چین کے دورہ کے بعد پاکستان روانہ۔
اورومچی کے بین الاقوامی ہوائی اڈے پر سی پی سی سنکیانگ کے اسٹینڈنگ ممبر العزت احمت جان (illizat ahmetjan )، دیگر چینی اعلیٰ حکام اور چین میں پاکستانی سفارتی عملے نے وزیراعظم کو رخصت کیا۔#PakPMinChina#BRI10Years… pic.twitter.com/A4AQ0sVWI9
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) October 20, 2023
Pakistan Railway Ml-1 Upgradation Project
Additionally, the ML-1 upgradation project, a vital component of the CPEC framework, was discussed. The leaders agreed to implement the project promptly. The Karakoram Highway realignment project, especially the Raikot-Thakot section, was also prioritized for fast-track implementation.
The leaders affirmed their resolve to launch preparatory work for the D.I. Khan-Zhob Road Project, further enhancing connectivity and socio-economic development under CPEC. Renewable energy projects, including photovoltaic energy, were recognized as in alignment with green, low-carbon, and environmentally friendly energy development.
In the realm of industrial cooperation, both sides pledged to support Pakistan’s industrialization, with Chinese companies encouraged to set up manufacturing facilities in Pakistan. CPEC was affirmed as an open and inclusive platform for win-win cooperation, welcoming third-party investments in priority areas such as industry, agriculture, ICT, science, and technology.
Cooperation in the mining industry was also emphasized, with a focus on geological survey, joint research on geology and minerals, talent development, and mining industrial parks. Agricultural cooperation between the two nations was recognized as having substantial potential, particularly in crop cultivation and pest control projects.
In the field of information technology, both nations committed to strengthening exchanges and cooperation, advancing digital infrastructure, and enhancing capacity building for information technology services.
Socio-economic cooperation under CPEC received positive recognition, with China’s support for Pakistan’s post-flood reconstruction and recovery noted. The concept of “shared prosperity” was emphasized, with a focus on delivering social and economic benefits to those most affected.
The Pakistan-China Free Trade Agreement was discussed, with China supporting Pakistan’s efforts to expand its exports to the Chinese market. Pakistan’s commitment to facilitating Chinese investments and businesses within the country was appreciated.
China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement and Improved Khunjerab Pass
The leaders expressed satisfaction with the increasing business exchanges between the two nations and pledged to enhance bilateral people-to-people exchanges. They also noted the recent agreements on the export of heated beef, dried chili, fresh cherries, and dairy products from Pakistan to China, as well as improvements to the Khunjerab Pass, which will now be open year-round.
Financial and banking cooperation was strengthened, with China providing valuable support to Pakistan’s financial sector. Space cooperation between the two countries was reaffirmed, with a focus on advancements in space science and technology. Both sides expressed their willingness to work together to achieve significant progress in this area.
Overall, the visit of Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar to China solidified the strong relationship between the two nations, fostering deeper cooperation in various fields, and advancing their shared vision for a prosperous and interconnected future. Pakistan and China are set to continue their journey of mutual development and shared prosperity as all-weather partners and iron brothers.
