Caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan to Attend Third Belt and Road Forum in China

Mon Oct 16 2023
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BEIJING: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar is set to embark on a significant visit to Beijing, China, at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. His visit, commencing on Monday, holds paramount importance as he is scheduled to participate in the third Belt and Road Forum.

Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, Moin ul Haque, expressed the significance of this forum, which commemorates the ten-year anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative and its flagship project, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He emphasized that this visit holds immense importance for Pakistan’s strategic partnership with China.

During the forum, Prime Minister Kakar is expected to address high-level discussions with the theme “Connectivity in an Open Global Economy” in Beijing. His itinerary also includes bilateral meetings with the top echelons of Chinese leadership, such as President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and other influential figures.

Ambassador Moin-ul-Haque highlighted that the visit encompasses meetings with leading Chinese business figures, including heads of large corporations and business giants. These discussions aim to explore potential cooperation, including joint ventures within Pakistan. The visit is poised to witness the signing of a substantial number of agreements and Memorandums of Understanding, totaling eighteen.

Read Also: PM Kakar’s Visit to China to Revolutionize Pakistan’s Roads Infrastructure

The visit holds broader regional significance, as Prime Minister Kakar will engage with leaders from other countries participating in the Belt and Road Forum. This diplomatic outreach reflects Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening regional ties and collaboration.

Ambassador Moin-ul-Haque also shed light on the visit’s aims to reaffirm the Pakistan-China strategic partnership and propel CPEC into a new phase of enhanced cooperation. One of the aspirations includes the conversion of the Karakoram Highway, a vital component of CPEC, into an all-weather road to facilitate expanded trade, tourism, and cultural connectivity.

The Prime Minister’s visit extends to Ürümqi, where he is slated to meet with local leaders. The focus in this region centers on the transformation of Xinjiang, an important region bordering Pakistan, into a hub that connects China with eight other countries. During his stay, Prime Minister Kakar will address Xinjiang University and engage with the local business community. The intent is to fortify cooperation, particularly in the education sector, fostering stronger ties between the two nations.

 

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