In a significant display of the enduring friendship between Pakistan and China, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar recently met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang during his visit to China. This high-profile meeting occurred on the sidelines of the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, where leaders and representatives from around 140 nations gathered to discuss cooperation, economic development, and connectivity. Prime Minister Kakar’s visit and interactions with the Chinese leadership have garnered extensive media coverage, highlighting the importance of this partnership in the international arena.
A “Heaven-Made” Partnership: Prime Minister Kakar, in his opening remarks during the meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, described the Pakistan-China bilateral partnership as one made in “heaven.” He reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering trust in China and emphasized the commitment to ensuring that nothing would undermine their strategic partnership. This statement underscores the depth of the relationship between the two countries, which has often been described as “sweeter than honey” and “iron-clad brotherhood.”
Supporting the One China Policy: Prime Minister Kakar also reiterated Pakistan’s firm support for the One China policy, emphasizing that this support would be reflected not just in words but also in actions. This stance aligns Pakistan closely with China on a key diplomatic issue and reflects the solidarity between the two nations on matters of international importance.
Historic Belt and Road Forum: The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to President Xi Jinping for inviting him to the “historic” Belt and Road Forum and commended the event’s “resounding” success. He praised President Xi’s visionary address at the Forum, which outlined numerous opportunities for countries like Pakistan. Kakar noted that President Xi’s eight proposals presented at the Forum constituted a roadmap not only for physical connectivity but also for stabilizing the international order.
The Belt and Road Initiative: A Pragmatic Answer: Prime Minister Kakar lauded the Belt and Road Initiative as a “pragmatic” and “practical” solution to the global political, economic, and civilizational challenges faced by many nations. He recognized China’s unparalleled progress as a role model that had transformed the lives of millions of its citizens, making it an exemplar without parallel in world history.
Unanimous Support for China in Pakistan: The prime minister emphasized that there was unanimous support for China across all political structures in Pakistan. This unity in the political arena underscores the depth of the bilateral relationship and the consistency of Pakistan’s commitment to its partnership with China. Kakar also highlighted the relevance of President Xi’s vision of a “community of shared future” in the current global context, suggesting that it offers a way forward during turbulent times.
China’s Commitment to Bilateral Relations: In response to Prime Minister Kakar’s statements, President Xi Jinping reaffirmed China’s readiness to work closely with Pakistan. He expressed a desire to strengthen traditional friendship and deepen bilateral cooperation. President Xi reiterated China’s commitment to the high-quality development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and its dedication to promoting peace and development in the region.
Extensive Media Coverage: The visit of Prime Minister Kakar to China and his meetings with top Chinese leaders received extensive coverage in both electronic and print media. Chinese media outlets, including Global Television Network (CGTN), CCTV, Global Times, People’s Daily, China Daily, and China Economic Net, reported on his visit and statements. This widespread coverage underscores the significance of the partnership between the two countries.
In-Depth Engagement: During his visit, Prime Minister Kakar engaged in various activities to strengthen economic ties and promote people-to-people relations. He held meetings with top Chinese leaders, including President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, and signed several memorandums of understanding. These agreements cover a wide range of areas, from transportation infrastructure and agricultural exports to mining, aerospace, and digital economy cooperation.
Furthermore, the prime minister addressed an interactive roundtable attended by academics, scholars, and researchers from prominent Chinese think tanks. This engagement demonstrates Pakistan’s commitment to deepening cooperation and knowledge exchange with China.
Looking Ahead: Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar’s visit to China and his meetings with Chinese leaders have reaffirmed the strong and enduring partnership between the two countries. The extensive media coverage and the signing of cooperation agreements underscore the commitment of both nations to further strengthen their ties.
As China continues to play a prominent role in global affairs and economic development, Pakistan’s unwavering support and active engagement in the Belt and Road Initiative and other bilateral projects position it as a key partner in China’s vision for a shared future. The close relationship between Pakistan and China is not only a testament to their “iron-clad brotherhood” but also a model for international cooperation in an ever-changing world.