In a significant development, senior Chinese diplomat Wang Yi and caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani of Pakistan met during the third Trans-Himalaya Forum for International Cooperation held in Nyingchi, in China’s Xizang (Tibet) Autonomous Region.
During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their strong commitment to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This reaffirmation underlines the enduring partnership between the two countries and the strategic importance of CPEC for their economic development.
China’s Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, emphasized the resilience of Sino-Pak relations, highlighting their continued positive momentum. He noted that 2023 marked the 10th anniversary of the BRI and the launch of CPEC. Wang Yi also acknowledged the significant impact of CPEC on Pakistan’s economic development, bringing tangible benefits to the Pakistani people.
Wang Yi expressed China’s readiness to further promote the high-quality development of CPEC, demonstrating China’s commitment to the project’s long-term success. This commitment underscores China’s dedication to enhancing economic ties with Pakistan and the broader region.
Jalil Abbas Jilani, Pakistan’s caretaker Foreign Minister, reciprocated these sentiments, lauding the fruitful results of bilateral cooperation and the positive outcomes of CPEC. He emphasized that the Pakistan-China relationship remained a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy. Jilani acknowledged the transformative power of CPEC, highlighting its role in reshaping Pakistan’s economic landscape and delivering tangible benefits to the country.
In addition to their bilateral discussions, Jalil Abbas Jilani delivered a speech at the third China-Tibet Trans-Himalayan Forum. In his address, he stressed the significance of regional cooperation in achieving green development, ecological preservation, and inclusive and sustainable development through enhanced connectivity. This reflects Pakistan’s commitment to broader regional collaboration and its alignment with China’s vision for sustainable development and connectivity.
The reaffirmation of commitment to CPEC by both China and Pakistan during the Trans-Himalaya Forum demonstrates the enduring strength of their partnership and the shared vision for the economic prosperity of the region. As CPEC continues to play a pivotal role in transforming Pakistan’s economic landscape, it stands as a testament to the successful collaboration between these two nations under the framework of the BRI. This development also highlights the broader implications of CPEC as a cornerstone of regional economic connectivity and growth.
