Pakistan and China Strengthen Bilateral Ties with New Agreements

Pakistan and China have agreed to enhance their collaboration across various sectors, including security, education, agriculture, human resource development, and science and technology. The two nations formalized this commitment by exchanging 13 key accords during a ceremony at the Prime Minister’s House, attended by Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Qiang.

The agreement follows a series of delegation-level talks where both leaders reviewed the multifaceted aspects of Pakistan-China relations, particularly focusing on economic cooperation and initiatives under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Upon Premier Li’s arrival, he was warmly welcomed by Prime Minister Shahbaz, who hosted a formal reception, including a guard of honor.

Among the notable documents exchanged were the Handing Over Certificate for the Smart Classrooms Project, signed by Pakistan’s Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema and Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao. The countries also shared the minutes from the 13th meeting of the CPEC Joint Coordination Committee and the 7th Joint Working Group on Gwadar.

Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed to promote cooperation on the Livelihood Working Group of CPEC between Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal and Luo Zhaohui, Chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency.

Both sides agreed to bolster collaboration in “Information and Communication,” “Water Conservancy Facilities, Flood Control and Calamity Reduction,” and “Security,” with relevant MoUs exchanged by Ahad Khan Cheema and Luo Zhaohui. They also addressed human resource development under the Global Development Initiative and discussed the assistance program for firefighting vehicles to Islamabad.

Further agreements included an MoU for the co-production of TV programs, signed by Ambreen Jan, Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and Ambassador Jiang Zaidong. Additionally, documents related to the export quarantine requirements for donkey meat to China were exchanged.

The ceremony also highlighted the announcement of a Currency Swap Agreement between the People’s Bank of China and the State Bank of Pakistan, reinforcing the financial cooperation between the two nations.