“All-weather” allies Pakistan and China pledge to further deepen ties and renew commitment to developing China-Pakistan Economic Corridor 2.0

Pakistan and China have reiterated their commitment to further deepen their “strategic all-weather” partnership, including working on “high-quality development” of the second phase of the multi-billion-dollar China-Pakistan economic partnership, according to media reports on Saturday. . This development came during the fourth round of Pakistan-China bilateral political consultations in Beijing on Friday, according to Geo News.

Foreign Minister Amna Baloch headed the Pakistani delegation, while Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong headed the Chinese side.

The meeting reviewed the full scope of practical cooperation between the two countries, with a focus on projects driving the high-quality development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor 2.0.

“The two sides agreed to further deepen their mutual partnerships in sectors such as information technology, agriculture and clean energy, driven by the concept of win-win cooperation and the pursuit of comprehensive, people-centered development,” an official press release said.

The meeting recognized the pivotal role of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor in enhancing regional connectivity and shared prosperity, including through partnerships with other countries.

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which links the port of Gwadar in Pakistani Balochistan with China’s Xinjiang province, is the flagship project of China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative. The Belt and Road Initiative is seen as an attempt by China to enhance its influence abroad through infrastructure projects funded by Chinese investments around the world. During the meeting, the Foreign Minister described the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor as a cornerstone of economic cooperation and a “bright symbol” of the enduring friendship between the two countries, according to the report. The Chinese Vice Foreign Minister highlighted the mutually reinforcing relationship between the five new corridors introduced under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor 2.0, namely Growth, Livelihood, Innovation, Open and Green Corridor with Pakistan’s National Development Framework focusing on 5 axes, namely Exports, E-Pakistan and Energy. . Environment and equity.

At the meeting, Baloch described Pakistan-China relations as “special” and “unique,” noting that the government and people of Pakistan deeply cherish the enduring friendship between the two countries.

The statement added that Islamabad and Beijing also stressed the need to enhance mutual coordination between them in multilateral forums, including the United Nations Security Council.

Later, the foreign minister also held a meeting with Executive Deputy Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu, where they exchanged views on bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues of common concern, according to the report.