13 accords signed: Pakistan, China agree to ramp up cooperation

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China Monday expressed their satisfaction on strategic cooperative partnership, based on mutual trust and shared principles.

The understanding was reached at a delegation-level meeting, held between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Qiang, here. The two sides said the partnership was growing stronger with each passing day and both the leaders exchanged views on the entire gamut of bilateral relations as well as matters of mutual, regional, and international importance.

Both leaders reaffirmed their support for each other on all core issues and expressed their commitment to the high-quality development of the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). They also emphasised the need for timely completion of all ongoingprojects in various sectors, including industry, agricultural modernisation, information technology, and science and technology, for mutual benefit and Pakistan’s socio-economic development.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif assured Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety of Chinese nationals and projects in Pakistan. “Held most productive talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang,” Shehbaz Sharif said on his ‘X’ social media site.

He said that they expressed satisfaction at the progress of various important CPEC initiatives and agreed to ensure their timely execution. The PM said that they also discussed ways to further enhance cooperation in multiple areas including trade, investment, economy, energy, agriculture, IT, and defence as well as regional peace and security. “Our strategic partnership and full understanding on our core issues is cornerstone of regional stability and prosperity,” the PM said.

He pointed out that they presided over the completion of new Gwadar airport and witnessed the exchange of important MoUs that will enhance cooperation in various fields. “Long Live Pak-China friendship,” Shehbaz Sharif concluded.

Both leaders agreed to continue high-level exchanges, which include strengthening cooperation in all bilateral areas. The meeting discussed the relocation of Chinese industries to Pakistan and also exchanged views on strategies to increase Chinese investment in Pakistan.

It was reiterated during the meeting that Pakistan and China will continue close consultation at multilateral forums as well as on issues of regional and global importance. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Qiang virtually inaugurated the new Gwadar International Airport.

Addressing inaugural ceremony, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said completion of Gwadar International Airport was a gift from China. He said it shows China’s commitment and dedication to support Pakistan’s economic development agenda and to promote backwards areas of country.

He expressed the confidence that completion of this international Gwadar airport would not only transform Gwadar’s economy, but also economy of the country. Expressing gratitude to Chinese leadership, Shehbaz appreciated untiring efforts of Pakistan and Chinese engineers and workers for their efforts in building a world class airport at Gwadar.

He said a signing ceremony and exchange of MoUs between Pakistan and China in various fields, including industry, agriculture and commerce was witnessed by prime ministers of both countries. The PM expressed confidence that the MoUs would shape into agreements very soon through joint efforts of both countries.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang said his country would continue working with Pakistan to uphold the principle of planning, building, and benefiting together. He said the New Gwadar International Airport is a critical step in building Gwadar into a regional hub of connectivity. He further said that Chinese and Pakistani workers built this modern and high-standard airport in five years, demonstrating the strength of China-Pakistan cooperation.

The Chinese premier expressed confidence that the inauguration of the New Gwadar International Airport would significantly enhance connectivity in the Gwadar region. The Chinese prime minister assured that Beijing would continue to work closely with the intimate Pakistani friends in building and benefiting together by pursuing the goals of high standards, sustainability and high quality of Belt and Road Initiative.

Referring to the Pak-China ties, Li Qiang termed those “special relationship and friendship”, saying that this all-weather strategic partnership was further deepening. “The unique and unbreakable time-tested ironclad friendship stood the global changing landscape,” he added.

Meanwhile, the military leadership of Pakistan met visiting Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang here on Monday. The Chinese premier held an important meeting with Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and three services chiefs. The meeting expressed the resolve to further strengthen and widen relations between the two countries. Matters relating to menace of terrorism and defence also came under discussion.

The Chinese PM lauded role of Pakistan’s armed forces against terrorism and his country’s full support and assistance in this war. Earlier on Monday, Pakistan and China signed 13 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) for enhancing cooperation including renewal of the currency swaps agreement between the two countries and signing of the protocol on quarantine requirements for export of donkey meat to China.

Both the countries did not sign any MoU related to the re-profiling of Chinese IPP debt of $15.4 billion during the official visit of the Chinese premier to Pakistan. However, Minister for Finance Mohammad Aurangzeb when asked by The News said the profiling of Chinese IPPs debt was work in progress.

Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan and China have agreed to move towards construction of Mainline-1 (ML-1) under which China would grant financing for construction of phase-1 from Karachi to Hyderabad. The financing agreement for ML-1, he said, would be done as both sides agreed to devise modalities in months ahead.

Pakistan and China signed MoU for strengthening security cooperation as China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) and Ministry of Economic Affairs reached by the leaders of two countries would maintain a security environment for development. Both parties would maintain a peaceful and secure environment for development which is an important guarantee for deepening development cooperation and both sides agreed to further strengthen counter terrorism and security cooperation. The CIDCA is willing to provide six bulletproof vehicles to support national security and economic and social development of Pakistan.

Both sides will maintain communication on related specific matters, discuss and solve relevant issues through consultation in a timely manner. Pakistan and China signed cooperation for Television co-production. The agreement between Pakistan and China aims to promote cultural exchanges by encouraging co-productions in television. The collaboration allows the production of television content that will be beneficial in fostering cultural understanding and cooperation, particularly by meeting technical and creative requirements set by both nations. The media should note the role this agreement plays in bringing both nations’ cultural narratives to wider audiences, enhancing bilateral ties. For fire and rescue vehicles project, a letter of exchange highlighted China’s commitment to aid Pakistan with 19 fire trucks, a multi-functional rescue vehicle, and a rescue excavator. It would significantly boost Pakistan’s emergency response capabilities, specifically for fire and rescue services in Islamabad.

Information and Communication Cooperation: The MoU focuses on enhancing digital infrastructure, promoting projects such as cloud services, smart classrooms, and green energy solutions for higher education. This is pivotal for Pakistan’s digital transformation and competitive standing in the global market.

Strengthening Livelihood Cooperation: This MoU strengthens social and livelihood projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), focusing on agriculture, healthcare, and vocational training. It supports Pakistan’s socio-economic development and aligns with broader regional goals under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Development of Joint Laboratories: This MoU facilitates the creation of joint laboratories focused on disaster prevention and hydropower technology. The joint research and technology transfer will enhance Pakistan’s capabilities in disaster management and rural electrification.

Water Conservancy and Disaster Mitigation: This MoU aims at addressing Pakistan’s needs in flood control and post-disaster reconstruction. It includes initiatives like river training and flood prevention, which are crucial for mitigating disaster impacts in vulnerable regions.

Minutes of 13th Joint Cooperation Committee meeting of CPEC and 7th Joint Working Group on Gwadar under CEPC were also handed over. Earlier in the day, the Chinese premier landed in Islamabad on four-day official visit ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.

APP adds: Premier Li earlier arrived at PM House, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif warmly received him at the formal welcome ceremony, where he was given a guard of honour before proceedings for the meeting and delegation-level talks.