Islamabad, Prime Minister Anwaar ul Haq Kakar of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan concluded a five-day official visit to China on 20th October, 2023, to attend the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. The visit, characterized by in-depth exchanges and a reaffirmation of mutual trust, highlighted the strengthening of the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership between the two nations.
According to a news release by Ministry of Foreign Affairs Government of Pakistan, At the invitation of President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China, Prime Minister Kakar met with various high-ranking officials in Beijing, including President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and Mr. Li Xi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC). These meetings emphasized mutual trust as the foundation of the China-Pakistan relationship.
Both nations reiterated their unwavering support on issues concerning their core interests. Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to the one-China Principle and expressed support on issues relating to Taiwan, the South China Sea, Hong Kong, Xinjiang, and Xizang. China, in turn, reinforced its support for Pakistan’s sovereignty, its efforts against terrorism, and its role in regional and international affairs.
The success of the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation was acknowledged, with Pakistan’s active support and participation emphasized. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a pioneering project under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), was celebrated for its achievements over the past decade. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to CPEC, envisioning it as a growth corridor, a livelihood-enhancing corridor, an innovation corridor, a green corridor, and an open corridor.
Special emphasis was placed on the development of the Gwadar Port and its auxiliary projects, such as the New Gwadar International Airport (NGIA) and the Pak-China Friendship Hospital. Other projects like the ML-1 upgradation, the D.I. Khan-Zhob Road Project, and the Karakoram Highway (Raikot-Thakot section) realignment project were also discussed.
In the energy sector, Chinese companies were encouraged to participate in renewable energy projects in Pakistan, particularly in photovoltaic initiatives. Further cooperation in the mining industry, agriculture, and digital economy was also on the agenda. The two countries expressed satisfaction over the CPEC Working Group on Socio-Economic Cooperation’s positive outcomes, with China continuing its support for Pakistan’s post-flood reconstruction and recovery.
Financial cooperation was also emphasized, with progress in the Currency Swap Agreement and Renminbi settlement and clearing being noted. The Pakistani side expressed gratitude for China’s continued support for its financial sector.
To conclude the visit, both countries recognized the importance of the Khunjerab pass in promoting bilateral trade and agreed on infrastructure upgrades and improved management for the pass to function year-round.