In a significant move to enhance economic cooperation, China and Pakistan have agreed to deepen their partnership and advance the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project. The discussions took place in Beijing on Friday, where Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The two leaders signed several bilateral cooperation documents, covering a wide range of sectors including transport, industry, agriculture, market regulation, livelihoods, capacity-building, and film and television. This comprehensive agreement aims to foster mutual growth and development between the two nations.
Premier Li reiterated China's steadfast support for Pakistan in safeguarding its national sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. He emphasized China’s commitment to assisting Pakistan in achieving unity, stability, security, and prosperity.
China expressed its willingness to collaborate with Pakistan to enhance the synergy of their development strategies. Focus areas include upgrading the CPEC, advancing key projects, expanding trade and investment cooperation, and promoting common development. Additionally, the two countries will deepen their collaboration in industry, agriculture, aerospace, information technology, ecology, and environmental protection.
Li highlighted China's intention to import higher-quality products from Pakistan and support Chinese enterprises in investing within Pakistan. Furthermore, China pledged to continue supporting Pakistan in improving the livelihoods of its people and aiding in post-disaster reconstruction efforts.
The cooperation also extends to cultural exchanges, tourism, local government initiatives, and think tank collaborations, aiming to strengthen the China-Pakistan friendship and garner greater support among their populations.
On the security front, China is committed to enhancing bilateral and multilateral counterterrorism and security cooperation with Pakistan. Premier Li assured support for Pakistan in strengthening its counterterrorism capabilities, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the safety of Chinese personnel, projects, and institutions in Pakistan.
Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed gratitude for China’s contributions to Pakistan’s economic and social development. He affirmed Pakistan’s support for China’s positions on critical issues related to Taiwan, Xizang, Xinjiang, Hong Kong, and the South China Sea. Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to safeguarding China’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Shehbaz also emphasized Pakistan’s readiness to collaborate with China in advancing the CPEC under the Belt and Road framework. He highlighted the importance of strengthening exchanges and cooperation in the economy, trade, investment, agriculture, and culture, aiming for fruitful outcomes from the strategic partnership between Pakistan and China.
Expressing his sorrow over the recent terrorist attack at the Dasu Hydropower Station that resulted in the loss of Chinese lives, Shehbaz vowed that Pakistan would use all its resources to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel and institutions in the country. He affirmed Pakistan’s determination to thwart any attempts that could undermine the enduring friendship between the two nations.
Reference(s):
China, Pakistan to further advance Economic Corridor project
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