Islamabad, In a significant move to strengthen bilateral ties, Pakistan and China have released a joint statement at the conclusion of Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar’s official visit to China, asserting their shared commitment to development and progress. The two nations have reinforced their determination to propel the creation of a closer Pak-China Community in the upcoming era, underlining the foundational trust that binds the two countries.
According to a news release by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, during this pivotal visit, 20 agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were ratified, spanning sectors like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), infrastructure, green development, health, space collaboration, digital economy, and agricultural product exports to China, among others.
The joint communique highlighted the enduring bond between China and Pakistan, describing them as All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partners with an unbreakable, time-tested friendship. Both nations acknowledged the BRI as a catalyst for global economic growth and emphasized its role as an avenue for international cooperation, benefiting diverse regions and standing as a testament to their vision of shared global prosperity.
In the realm of infrastructure and development, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was celebrated for its achievements over the past decade. The two sides have set forth plans to amplify its scope, focusing on innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity. Emphasizing Gwadar Port’s significance, both countries have pledged to expedite the development of its auxiliary projects, including the desalination plant, the New Gwadar International Airport, and the Pak-China Friendship Hospital, with an aim to transform Gwadar into a premier regional trade and connectivity hub.
Other projects, such as the ML-1 upgradation and the Karakoram Highway realignment, received substantial attention, with both sides agreeing to expedite these crucial initiatives. Efforts to promote industrial cooperation and facilitate greater business and people-to-people exchanges were also outlined, with emphasis on welcoming third-party investments in priority areas.
A notable announcement was the decision to keep the Khunjerab pass operational year-round, ensuring smoother cross-border trade and movement. Both nations also expressed satisfaction with their financial cooperation, particularly emphasizing the Currency Swap Agreement and the Renminbi settlement.
On the geopolitical front, both countries demonstrated their commitment to regional peace and stability, especially regarding the situation in Afghanistan. Pakistan expressed gratitude for China’s assistance in post-flood reconstruction, and China reaffirmed its stance on the Kashmir issue, advocating for its peaceful resolution in line with the UN Charter and relevant resolutions.
The statement also touched upon other pressing global issues, such as the Palestine crisis, emphasizing the need for an urgent international response and advocating for the two-state solution. On the topic of Taiwan and other territorial matters, Pakistan reiterated its unwavering support for China’s territorial integrity and stance against any form of Taiwanese independence.
In conclusion, the visit symbolized the robust partnership between the two nations, with both sides expressing satisfaction with their military collaboration and mutual support on pressing international matters.