Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar embarked on a diplomatic whirlwind as he held a series of high-level meetings with world leaders in Beijing.
Kakar’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin marked a significant milestone in their bilateral relations. The discussions delved into key regional and international issues, with a special focus on enhancing trade, investment, and energy cooperation.
This historic rendezvous highlights Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to foster broader ties with major global powers. Kakar’s presence at the third Belt and Road Forum (BRF) at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping further underlines Pakistan’s commitment to international cooperation and shared prosperity.
During his stay in Beijing, Kakar also had a crucial meeting with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Their discussions encompassed pressing humanitarian concerns in Gaza due to ongoing Israeli attacks. Both leaders called for an immediate cessation of hostilities by Israel, the establishment of a humanitarian corridor to aid the besieged people of Gaza, and a two-state solution for the Palestinian issue.
Beyond addressing immediate crises, the leaders explored avenues for fighting poverty and promoting economic growth through regional cooperation. Pakistan and Sri Lanka, facing similar economic challenges, pledged to maintain a dialogue to exchange experiences and best practices in areas like the privatization of state-owned enterprises (SOEs). This signifies their commitment to mutual progress and cooperation in the region.
Read More: Pakistan’s Commitment to BRI: Kakar’s Vision for Inclusive Development
In an exclusive interview with China Daily, Prime Minister Kakar expressed his admiration for China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). He emphasized that the BRI is a vital tool for inclusive development aimed at reducing poverty and inequality.
Kakar acknowledged the significance of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a practical manifestation of the win-win cooperation between the two nations. He dispelled notions of the BRI leading participating countries into debt traps, emphasizing that China provides a unique mechanism for development financing.
The interview shed light on the significant impact of CPEC, which has brought $25.4 billion in direct investment to Pakistan and created 236,000 jobs. This exceptional example of an open, coordinated, and inclusive development paradigm reflects the success of China’s BRI.
Additionally, Prime Minister Kakar assured that stringent security measures were in place to protect Chinese personnel and institutions in Pakistan. Pakistan is dedicated to ensuring the safety of Chinese workers, with ongoing security briefings, risk assessments, and information exchanges between the two nations. Kakar’s visit to Beijing underscores the shared understanding and strong bonds between Pakistan and China, which continue to flourish.
In another session, he met with Chinese think tanks and scholars, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to elevating the transformative nature of CPEC, aiming for deeper integration and innovation.
Kakar also invited Chinese companies to invest in solar parks in Pakistan and emphasized the aspiration to make Gwadar a hub for regional connectivity, facilitating cross-regional trade and cooperation between Central Asia and the Middle East.
Chinese academics and scholars echoed their country’s interest in investing in Pakistan’s special economic zones, further propelling the growth of CPEC and enhancing regional connectivity. The day concluded with a grand state banquet at the iconic Great Hall of the People, hosted by President Xi Jinping in honor of world leaders attending the BRF.
The presence of senior members of Pakistan’s federal cabinet underscored the significance of this international gathering, marking a promising chapter in global cooperation.