Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar, while addressing the Belt and Road Forum in China’s Urumqi, stressed the significance of enhancing the longstanding and robust friendship between Pakistan and China. Kakar referred to China as a “good brother, good neighbor, good partner, and a good friend,” underlining the need to further bolster their strategic partnership. His address comes as both countries reiterated their commitment to cementing their partnership during a delegation-level meeting between Kakar and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The forum serves as a platform for discussions on projects aimed at promoting peace, prosperity, and win-win development, aligning with the Belt and Road Initiative’s (BRI) objectives.
Bilateral Relations Bolstered
Prime Minister Kakar affirmed the enduring nature of Pakistan-China friendship, remaining steadfast amid changing global dynamics. He emphasized the two countries’ complete consensus on the pivotal role of Pak-China friendship in driving progress, prosperity, regional peace, and development. The strategic long-term perspective with which Pakistan views its ties with China underscores their commitment to collaboration.
Enduring Bonds and CPEC’s Significance
The premier praised the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a shining example of the BRI’s goals. CPEC has played a transformative role in upgrading Pakistan’s infrastructure, addressing energy shortages, and enhancing regional connectivity. It has significantly improved economic growth and the lives of Pakistani citizens. The commitment to CPEC underscores the enduring and unwavering nature of Pakistan-China friendship, as both nations continue to focus on building strong economic partnerships.
Vision for Enhanced Cooperation
Kakar referred to President Xi’s vision for Xinjiang as a vital element of the Belt and Road Initiative’s goal of enhancing connectivity. His visit to Xinjiang during the Belt and Road Forum marked an essential milestone in the enduring friendship between Pakistan and China. The visit emphasized the commitment to promoting both infrastructure and human connections. Pakistan aims to utilize Xinjiang’s role in CPEC and its linkages with Pakistan to enhance regional connectivity and improve the livelihoods of the people in both regions. The conversion of the Khunjerab land border into an all-weather border will facilitate trade and the movement of people, contributing to deeper economic cooperation. The proposed sister-city relationships between Karamay and Gwadar, as well as Kashgar and Gwadar, will further strengthen economic ties. Additionally, Pakistan seeks to learn from Xinjiang’s success in agricultural modernization and plans to set up a joint agricultural demonstration zone. The goal is to introduce modern farming techniques and practices while developing connections between Xinjiang and Pakistan’s industries, especially in the Gilgit-Baltistan region. Kakar emphasized the potential for cooperation in sectors like solar energy, highlighting its significance in Xinjiang. Pakistan also looks forward to fostering cultural cooperation and enhancing people-to-people connections, inviting more tourists from Xinjiang and other parts of China to explore Pakistan’s tourist destinations.
Prime Minister Kakar’s address at the Belt and Road Forum underscores the enduring and dynamic partnership between Pakistan and China, with a vision for even stronger cooperation and shared prosperity.
