HUANGPU SHANGHAI

2023 marks the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Pakistani Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar recently visited the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, following his participation in the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing. He entered a discussion with Ma Xingrui, Party chief of Xinjiang, and Erkin Tuniyaz, chairman of the Xinjiang regional government, on October 20, focusing on implementing the outcomes of the forum.

During the meeting, Ma expressed Xinjiang's commitment to furthering mutually beneficial cooperation with Pakistan. They highlighted the significant role of Xinjiang as the core region of the Belt and Road Initiative, and the starting point of the CPEC. Xinjiang aims to expand bilateral cooperation in sectors such as energy, transportation, agriculture, and green development. Ma also stressed the importance of enhancing connectivity, strengthening port infrastructure, and promoting efficient customs clearance to facilitate faster port development.

Kakar expressed Pakistan's steadfast support for China's position on the Xinjiang issue, and sought to deepen ties and exchanges in various fields between Pakistan and Xinjiang. He proposed the establishment of strategic cooperation plans, promoting smooth transportation of goods, and elevating the levels of collaboration in agriculture, trade, technology, and people-to-people exchanges. He also emphasized the potential for expanding tourism cooperation, increasing direct flight routes, and improving aviation capabilities between the two sides.

The meeting concluded with a banquet, fostering a warm and relaxed atmosphere, where both sides reiterated their commitment to enhancing mutual cooperation. Kakar also visited Xinjiang University and various cultural sites during his trip.