Pakistan and China strengthen partnership at third belt and road forum

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen their enduring partnership for the mutual benefit of their citizens, with caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar emphasising Islamabad’s unwavering dedication to maintaining its strategic relationship with Beijing.

According to Dawn.com, during a delegation-level meeting held on the sidelines of the 3rd Belt and Road Forum, both sides reiterated this commitment. The meeting brought together PM Kakar and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of People.

According to a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), President Xi expressed China’s readiness to carry forward their traditional friendship and deepen the bilateral partnership with Pakistan. He also reaffirmed China’s commitment to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and regional peace.

PM Kakar described the bilateral partnership as “made in heaven,” stressing Pakistan’s deep trust in China and its firm determination to protect the strategic partnership between the two nations.

He affirmed Pakistan’s support for the ‘One-China Policy’ and highlighted the importance of the eight proposals presented by President Xi at the forum, considering them a roadmap for enhancing not only physical connectivity but also global stability. He described the Belt and Road Initiative as a pragmatic response to global challenges.

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After his meeting with President Xi, PM Kakar took to Twitter to mention that they had discussed various aspects of the multifaceted Pakistan-China relationship. He stressed Pakistan’s commitment to collaborating with China on regional connectivity, economic development, and the development of Gwadar as a hub for connectivity and Pakistan’s socio-economic advancement.

Furthermore, he mentioned that President Xi had accepted an invitation to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience, highlighting China’s continued support for Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and development.

During his visit to the Third Belt and Road Forum, PM Kakar also met with several Chinese corporate executives, encouraging them to explore Pakistan’s significant investment potential. He explained Pakistan’s investor-friendly policies and the establishment of the Special Investment Facilitation Council, designed to facilitate foreign investment as a one-window platform.

PM Kakar urged Chinese corporate executives to consider investing in various sectors of Pakistan, including ICT, agriculture, renewable energy, textiles, the digital economy, and mining and minerals.

Later, the caretaker prime minister visited Urumqi as part of his engagements.