PM in rare visit to Xinjiang in China

ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar Friday departed for Pakistan on the completion of his five-day visit to China. At the Urumqi International Airport, the prime minister was seen off by the Standing Member of Communist Party of China Illizat Ahmetjan, and senior officers of the Chinese government and Pakistan’s Embassy. On the last leg of the visit, the prime minister visited Urumqi and met Member Politburo of CPC’s Central Committee Ma Xingrui, besides addressing the students at Xinjiang University.

The prime minister offered the Friday prayers at the historic Hang Yang Grand Bazaar Mosque in Urumqi and prayed for the progress and prosperity of the country as well as the Muslim Ummah. He specially prayed for the oppressed people of Gaza and for their deliverance from suffering. Kakar also addressed students and faculty at Xinjiang University in Urumqi.

“In Pakistan, we say a good neighbor is a treasure. In this regard, we are very fortunate to have China as a good brother, good neighbor, good partner, and good friend.

Meanwhile, President Xi Jinping has extended support to Pakistan and urged a secure environment for Chinese institutions and personnel.

During a meeting with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on the sidelines of the Third Belt and Road Forum in Beijing on Thursday, Xi said, “It is hoped that Pakistan will ensure the safety of Chinese institutions and personnel in Pakistan.” The longtime allies reaffirmed their “unwavering” partnership, vowing to further strengthen strategic communication and bilateral cooperation, reports the international media.

A readout of the meeting released by China’s Foreign Ministry said Xi appreciated “Pakistan’s long-term firm support for China’s core interests” and that Beijing will “continue to support Pakistan in safeguarding national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.”

On the 10th anniversary of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Xi said the two sides take it as an “opportunity to create an ‘upgraded version’ of the multi-billion-dollar project.”

President Xi pointed out economic growth, people’s livelihood, innovation, cooperation in industrial parks, agriculture, mining, and new energy as some of the fields where the two sides can further cooperate under the CPEC.

He added China was willing to strengthen cooperation with Pakistan within the framework of the UN and Shanghai Cooperation Organization and promote regional unity and cooperation and safeguard the legitimate interests of developing countries.

Meanwhile, a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office said the caretaker prime minister Friday called Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to discuss the latest situation resulting from the ongoing brutalities of Israeli occupation forces against innocent Palestinians in Gaza and West Bank.

Kakar expressed Pakistan’s strong condemnation of incessant and lethal bombardment by Israeli occupation forces, particularly the bombing of Al-Ahli hospital, and criticized these deplorable and willful acts of Israeli aggression against innocent Palestinians .