Pak-China relationship cornerstone of foreign policy: PM Kakar

Kakar hopes to deepen linkages between Xinjiang and neighbouring regions of Pakistan

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar on Friday emphasised the critical importance of Pakistan's relationship with China as a cornerstone of the country's foreign policy, contributing to regional peace and development.

During a meeting with Party Secretary Ma Xingrui of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in Urumqi, on the sidelines of his China visit for the Belt and Road Forum, Kakar discussed the strong bilateral ties between both nations and talked about the potential for further collaboration.

Kakar met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang in Beijing and praised the personal commitment of the Chinese leadership to further enhance the partnership between Pakistan and China.

He highlighted the specific significance of Xinjiang to Pakistan due to shared geographical, historical, and cultural affinities and stressed the importance of deepening the linkages between Xinjiang and neighbouring regions of Pakistan in various fields, including trade, investment, culture, and people-to-people ties.

Read Pakistan blindly trusts China, says Kakar

The party secretary also expressed Xinjiang's eagerness to explore business and trade opportunities in Pakistan. He showed a willingness to enhance commercial and people-to-people ties through the Khunjerab-Sost border crossing.

Kakar asserted that both sides agreed to collaborate in harnessing the full potential of cooperation between Xinjiang and Pakistan's neighbouring areas.

Earlier this week, Kakar addressed world leaders at the opening ceremony of the third Belt and Road Forum (BRF) in Beijing, praising China's commitment to global development.

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He acknowledged global challenges, such as the wealth gap, climate change, and the Covid-19 pandemic, stressing the need for collective efforts to achieve the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.

He proudly supported the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and its transformative impact on Pakistan's infrastructure, trade, and energy generation. Kakar unveiled CPEC's next phase, focusing on growth, innovation, and environmental protection, inviting other nations to join in this transformative venture.