Pakistan terms PM Kakar’s visit to China significant and productive
Islamabad: The government has termed Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar’s visit to China as significant and productive,
In China, PM Kakar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the timely completion of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects, a flagship initiative of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
He had the honor of participating in the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing at the invitation of President Xi Jinping, said a government statement.
Prominent figures at the forum included Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, and leaders from various other nations.
Prime Minister Kakar’s address at the High-Level Forum of BRF, titled ‘Connectivity in an Open Global Economy,’ praised President Xi’s vision for a global community with a shared future and the Belt-and-Road Initiative, emphasizing their significance for global connectivity, common development, and shared prosperity. This visit coincided with the 10th anniversary of the CPEC.
Kakar highlighted the critical role of CPEC in creating new economic opportunities in Pakistan and endorsed the Chinese proposal to develop CPEC as a corridor of growth, innovation, livelihood, green economy, openness, and inclusiveness.
He also stressed the need for a united global response to address transnational challenges and infrastructure gaps in the developing world.
On the sidelines of the Forum, Prime Minister Kakar met with leaders from various countries, including Russia, Kenya, and Sri Lanka. Meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang reaffirmed the strong friendship and cooperation between Pakistan and China across various fields.
Kakar also interacted with Chinese think tanks and scholars, portraying CPEC as a catalyst for growth, poverty alleviation, and job creation. He met with President Vladimir Putin of Russia, discussing trade, investment, and energy cooperation, along with enhancing Eurasian connectivity.
More meetings took place with leaders from Kazakhstan, Sri Lanka, and the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Kakar also engaged with prominent Chinese companies, encouraging them to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan and emphasizing the country’s investor-friendly policies.
During the visit, significant agreements were signed, including a $1.5 billion investment in the petroleum sector. Kakar addressed students at Xinjiang University and strengthened cooperation in mining, geological research, and various other sectors with Chinese officials.
The visit culminated with a state banquet hosted by President Xi Jinping, attended by leaders from around the world. It was a high-profile event, underscoring the significance of international cooperation and shared prosperity.
