BEIJING: Pakistan and China have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation under CPEC, aiming to transform it into a growth, livelihood, innovation, green, and open corridor.
During President Asif Ali Zardari’s five-day visit to China, he met with President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and other top officials, discussing trade, infrastructure, technology, and security, according to a joint statement issued by the Foreign Office on Thursday encompassing the discussions and agreements reached during the visit.
Both sides signed over a dozen agreements covering CPEC, trade, technology, and economic cooperation.
They emphasized upgrading ML-1 railway and the realignment of the Karakoram Highway (Raikot-Thakot) to improve connectivity. Pakistan also welcomed Chinese investment in mining, agriculture, and emerging technologies under CPEC’s second phase.
China reaffirmed its strong support for Pakistan’s economic stability, while Pakistan committed to ensuring the security of Chinese personnel and projects.
President Zardari, Xi Jinping discuss positive trajectory of bilateral ties
The two sides also agreed to deepen cooperation in finance, energy, education, and vocational training, fostering a more integrated economic partnership.
The visit underscored CPEC’s central role in Pakistan-China relations, with both nations pledging to accelerate its high-quality development and enhance regional connectivity and trade.
The two sides welcomed the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, and hoped that the agreement would be implemented effectively, leading to a full and permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
President Zardari also invited President Xi Jinping to visit Pakistan at a mutually convenient time.