Pakistan, China reaffirm commitment to CPEC collaboration in 4th Joint Working Group Meeting
CPEC Joint Working Group Affirms Commitment to International Cooperation and Coordination in 4th Meeting
The 4th meeting of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Joint Working Group on International Cooperation and Coordination (JWG-ICC) held in Islamabad highlights the robust commitment of both nations to fostering collaboration on the global stage. Co-chaired by Foreign Secretary Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi and Chinese Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Sun Weidong, the meeting showcased the progress made since the previous virtual session in July 2022.
The meeting emphasized CPEC’s pivotal role in enhancing international and regional connectivity, reflecting its open and inclusive nature. Acknowledging the enduring partnership between Pakistan and China as All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partners, the Foreign Secretary stressed the significance of CPEC in promoting mutually beneficial cooperation and sustainable development. The discussion also extended a welcoming approach to interested third parties seeking collaborative opportunities.
Addressing the evolving nature of CPEC, the two sides expressed a commitment to advancing industry, agriculture, information technology, and science and technology with a focus on high-quality advancements. The goal is to ensure tangible socio-economic benefits for the people involved. Both nations condemned disinformation campaigns and distorted reporting on CPEC, emphasizing the need to counter fallacious narratives and misinformation.
Reflecting on the outcomes of the Second and Third Pakistan-China Think Tanks Forum, held in September 2022 and July 2023, the meeting highlighted joint support for media and think tank cooperation. The agreement involves sharing best practices and creating an intellectual knowledge pool for CPEC and Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) development through enhanced international communication and cooperation. This reaffirms the commitment to transparency, cooperation, and shared progress between China and Pakistan in the CPEC initiative.
