BEIJING: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Kakar met with his Chinese counterpart Li Qiang on Wednesday on the sidelines of the Third Belt and Road Forum (BRF) in Beijing to discuss bilateral relations.
During the meeting, both leaders reaffirmed the enduring and robust friendship between Pakistan and China and pledged to enhance high-level dialogue and engagement. They also committed to deepening cooperation across various sectors, including politics, economics, education, science and technology, culture, and people-to-people relations.
Prime Minister Kakar congratulated the Chinese leadership for the successful organization of the Third Belt and Road Forum (BRF). Acknowledging the global significance of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in terms of connectivity and shared prosperity, he praised it as a project of immense importance.
Pakistan, China PMs Explore CPEC Opportunities
The two leaders discussed their collaboration within the framework of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and explored opportunities for further strengthening economic ties.
Prime Minister Kakar emphasized the vital role of CPEC in Pakistan’s economic development and expressed satisfaction with its expansion into new sectors, including industrial development, livelihood projects, communication technology, agriculture, mining and mineral exploration, and agriculture.
He expressed confidence that Chinese investments in Specialized Economic Zones (SEZs) would contribute to diversifying Pakistan’s export portfolio and expanding its industrial capabilities.
Premier Li Qiang highlighted the steady growth of bilateral cooperation and commended the positive momentum of CPEC projects. He expressed hope that the consensus between leadership from both countries would further boost trade and economic relations.
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar and Chinese Premier Li Qiang witnessed the signing of MoUs between China and Pakistan to enhance cooperation in diverse fields in Beijing, today. #PMKakarinChina#3rdBRF#BRI10Years pic.twitter.com/u41PHtAQXO
— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) October 18, 2023
Pakistan PM meets Li Xi
Later in the day, the Pakistani premier also held a meeting with Li Xi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Secretary of the CPC’s Central Commission of Discipline Inspection.
During the meeting, the two leaders reaffirmed Pakistan and China’s commitment to strengthening their bilateral political and economic relations and their unwavering support for each other on core issues. They also expressed a collective determination to enhance economic cooperation, with a renewed focus on the significance of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and its high-quality development.
In addition, the leaders discussed strategies to boost the volume of Chinese investments in Pakistan, particularly in sectors such as information and communication technology (ICT), mining, infrastructure, and agriculture. They emphasized the importance of expanding industrial cooperation and the development of Special Economic Zones in Pakistan.
