China, Pakistan affirm commitment to CPEC in joint statement

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
9 Jun 2024 22:20

Both countries have recognized the significance of Gwadar Port and they vowed to accelerate auxiliary infrastructure development to maximize the city's potential, especially as a transshipment hub.

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President Xi Jinping met with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Friday.

China and Pakistan issued a joint statement on Saturday reaffirming the sanctity of UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 and pledging to further fortify the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into a model project of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

This comes as Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently concluded a five-day visit to China. During the visit, Sharif engaged in significant diplomatic exchanges, including meetings with President Xi Jinping and Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, along with talks with Premier Li Qiang.

The discussions touched upon several constructive agreements including the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership. Both sides reiterated the profound mutual trust and support that have characterized their relationship over the 73 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties.

The joint statement also mentioned the pivotal role of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a pioneering project of the BRI. Both nations pledged to enhance the corridor's quality and scope, aligning it with Pakistan's development priorities.

In addition to reaffirming commitments to ongoing projects such as the upgradation of ML-1 and the Karakoram Highway realignment, the statement mentioned joint efforts in industrial, agricultural, technological, and energy sectors.

The statement also mentions a joint recognition of Gwadar Port's significance and that both sides vow to accelerate auxiliary infrastructure development to maximize the city's potential, especially as a transshipment hub.

Reiterating unwavering support on core interest issues, particularly on the status of Taiwan, the joint statement stressed adherence to UN Resolution 2758, with Pakistan affirming the one-China principle and opposing any form of "Taiwan independence."

In the realm of counter-terrorism, both nations vowed zero tolerance and comprehensive cooperation against all forms of terrorism, rejecting double standards and the politicization of counter-terrorism efforts.

During talks between Premier Li Qiang and Prime Minister Shehbaz, China expressed willingness to enhance development synergy, focus on CPEC upgrading, and deepen cooperation in various sectors including industry, agriculture, aerospace, and information technology. China also pledged to import more quality products from Pakistan and support increased Chinese investment in the country.

The visit culminated in a signing ceremony for various bilateral cooperation documents across sectors such as transport, industry, agriculture, and livelihoods.

In an exclusive interview with The Global Times, Pakistani minister Ahsan Iqbal highlighted the upcoming focus of CPEC cooperation on industry, agriculture, and information technology, citing recent collaborative achievements including Pakistan's satellite launch with Chinese assistance.