Beijing: Ambassador Khalil Hashmi recently visited Urumqi and Kashgar in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China from June 25 to 30, 2024, marking his first bilateral visit to the region since assuming office. The visit focused on enhancing trade and investment ties between Pakistan and Xinjiang, emphasizing sectors such as agriculture, textiles, mining, and logistics.

According to Press Information Department, during his visit, Ambassador Hashmi participated in the opening ceremony of the 8th China-Eurasia Expo and engaged in several high-level meetings, including a significant bilateral discussion with Mr. Erkin Tuniyaz, Chairman/Governor of Xinjiang. Both sides underscored the strategic importance of Pakistan-China relations and Xinjiang’s pivotal role in connecting the two nations. Ambassador Hashmi also advocated for increased Xinjiang investments in Pakistan, particularly in 13 export-oriented sectors, aiming to deepen economic cooperation.

In addition to his official meetings, Ambassador Hashmi addressed the “Open Corps” event organized by the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC), where he highlighted Pakistan’s potential for bilateral economic ties. He also spoke at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) roundtable for Digital Connectivity, emphasizing the significance of digital infrastructure for regional integration.

Furthering his agenda, Ambassador Hashmi visited the Pakistan-China land border to discuss integrated border management and inspected the preparations for making it an all-weather route. His visit also included engagements with the academic community at Xinjiang Normal University, where he interacted with Pakistani students and explored the Urdu Language Center, promoting academic exchanges.