Joint Statement of the People’s Republic of China and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
2022-11-02 20:36

1. Shabazz Sharif, Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, will pay an official visit to the People’s Republic of China at the invitation from November 1 to 2, 2022. This visit is Prime Minister Shabazz’s first visit to China after taking office.
2. During the visit, President Xi Jinping met with Prime Minister Shabazz. Premier Li Keqiang held talks with Prime Minister Shabazz, and Li Zhanshu, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, met with Prime Minister Shabazz. Prime Minister Shabazz congratulated President Xi Jinping on his re-election as General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, admired President Xi Jinping’s leadership, wise vision and people-centered development thinking, and appreciated President Xi Jinping’s contribution to the sustainable development of China-Pakistan relations. Prime Minister Shabazz welcomed President Xi Jinping’s visit to Pakistan. President Xi Jinping said that the trip will be made as soon as it is convenient. The leaders of the two countries pledged to work together to further deepen the relationship between the two countries.
3. Prime Minister Shabazz congratulated the successful conclusion of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, praised the central role played by the Communist Party of China and its leadership in the cause of China’s development, prosperity and national rejuvenation, and expressed his appreciation for China’s economic and social development under the leadership of the Communist Party of China. The achievements and contributions to the transformation of world politics and governance concepts are deeply admired.
4. Chinese leaders expressed appreciation to Prime Minister Shabazz for his long-term and firm commitment to China-Pakistan friendship. Prime Minister Shabazz reiterated that Pakistan is committed to further strengthening and deepening China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and practical cooperation in various fields.
5. The two sides exchanged in-depth views on China-Pakistan relations, regional situation and international political situation. Both sides agreed that in the face of emerging global challenges, the China-Pakistan all-weather strategic partnership is of great significance. The meeting demonstrated the traditional friendship, strategic mutual trust and broad consensus between China and Pakistan.
6. The leaders of the two countries reiterated that the close strategic ties and profound friendship between China and Pakistan have stood the test of time and become stronger with time. China-Pakistan friendship serves the interests of both countries and is a historical choice of the two peoples. China reiterated that China-Pakistan relations have always been the top priority of China’s diplomacy. The Pakistani side stressed that Pakistan-China relations are the cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy, and the Pakistani people have always supported the closest friendship between Pakistan and China.
7. The two sides reaffirmed their mutual support on issues concerning each other’s core interests. Pakistan firmly adheres to the one-China policy and supports China on issues related to Taiwan, the South China Sea, Hong Kong, Xinjiang and Tibet. China reiterated its support for Pakistan in safeguarding its national sovereignty, independence and security, as well as its economic and social prosperity and development.
8. Chinese leaders expressed condolences over the recent severe floods in Pakistan, which caused heavy casualties and property losses. Prime Minister Shabazz expressed his gratitude to the Chinese government and people for their timely and generous assistance, and to China for providing disaster relief materials, dispatching post-disaster assessment and medical and health expert teams, assisting in post-disaster assessment and sharing reconstruction experience, and helping Pakistan respond to the post-disaster epidemic and improve treatment. Ability to thank. China’s aid action vividly illustrates the time-tested all-weather strategic cooperative partnership between China and Pakistan.
9. Prime Minister Shabazz introduced the disaster relief and post-disaster reconstruction in Pakistan. The Chinese side expressed that it will stand firmly with the Pakistani side at this difficult time and continue to help the Pakistani side advance the recovery and reconstruction plan of the disaster-stricken areas.
10. The two sides reviewed with satisfaction the outcomes of the three foreign ministers’ strategic dialogues and agreed to hold the next meeting in Islamabad as soon as possible in the first half of 2023.
11. The two sides noted the important role played by various bilateral cooperation mechanisms in deepening strategic communication between the two countries, and welcomed the two foreign ministries to hold the Spokesperson’s Consultation and Arms Control Consultation.
12. Prime Minister Shabazz reiterated that the Pakistani government is willing to work with China to jointly build the “Belt and Road” with high quality, and stressed that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, as the flagship project of the “Belt and Road” initiative, will make significant contributions to Pakistan’s economic and social development.
13. The leaders of the two countries noted that the eleventh meeting of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Joint Cooperation Committee was held on October 27, 2022. The meeting reviewed the progress of the projects under construction and agreed to maintain the high-quality development momentum of the corridor.
14. The two sides believe that the upgrading and reconstruction project of Pakistan’s No. 1 main railway line is an important project under the framework of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which is of great significance to the economic and social development of Pakistan, and agreed to advance implementation at an early date in accordance with the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries. The two sides agreed to actively promote the Karachi ring railway project, which is an urgent need in Pakistan’s largest city, Karachi.
15. Both sides believe that Gwadar Port is a leading project of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and an important node for regional connectivity. The two sides expressed satisfaction with the completion of key projects and agreed to speed up the progress of other projects in Gwadar Port and the Free Zone.
16. According to the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries on accelerating the cooperation in the fields of agriculture, mining, information technology, social and people’s livelihood, etc. in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, the two sides agreed to further build healthy corridors, industrial corridors, digital corridors and green corridors, and carry out relevant cooperation. .
17. The Chinese side appreciates the Pakistani government’s efforts to vigorously develop renewable energy projects including photovoltaics, which are in line with the development direction of green, low-carbon and environmentally friendly energy. China encourages Chinese-funded enterprises to participate in the project construction.
18. The two sides agreed to actively promote the implementation of the “China-Pakistan Industrial Cooperation Framework Agreement” and support the development of Pakistan’s industrialization.
19. The two sides expressed their firm determination to protect the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and China-Pakistan friendship from all threats and damage. The Pakistani side once again pledged to make every effort to ensure the safety of all Chinese personnel, projects and institutions in Pakistan. The Chinese side appreciates the Pakistani side’s strong determination and effective measures.
20. The two sides noted that 2023 marks the 10th anniversary of the launch of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, and the construction of the corridor has achieved remarkable achievements. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the contribution of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor to the socio-economic development of the two countries.
21. Both sides noted that the recently held 3rd China-Pakistan Economic Corridor International Cooperation and Coordination Working Group Meeting emphasized that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is an open and inclusive platform that welcomes third parties from industry, agriculture, information technology, technology, Oil and gas and other priority areas of cooperation in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor have benefited from investment.
22. The two sides noted that the bilateral trade volume has grown steadily since the implementation of the Second-Phase Protocol of the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement, and decided to further negotiate and promote trade liberalization under the framework of the Second-Phase Protocol of the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement. Hold a meeting of the Committee on Trade in Goods as soon as possible.
23. China is willing to actively support Pakistan in expanding exports to China under the framework of the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement, and welcomes more high-quality Pakistani goods such as food and agricultural products to enter the Chinese market. The two sides agreed to encourage investment and partnership in Pakistan’s export sector, so as to contribute to the sustainable growth of bilateral trade. The two sides agreed to carry out joint research to further strengthen bilateral economic and trade cooperation.
24. The two sides agreed to upgrade the infrastructure of the Khunjerab port, strengthen border epidemic prevention and control and port customs clearance cooperation, and give full play to the role of land trade and exchanges. The two sides agreed to jointly further strengthen the implementation of the “Quartet Transit Transportation Agreement”, which is an important pillar of regional connectivity.
25. The two sides noted that China’s e-commerce market is huge and has the potential to expand bilateral trade. Both sides welcome the signing of the memorandum of understanding on e-commerce cooperation and jointly support the establishment of the Pakistan National Pavilion on China’s e-commerce platform. The two sides agreed to further strengthen cooperation in online payment systems, logistics, warehousing, customs facilitation and other fields, and promote cooperation between small, medium and micro enterprises and start-ups.
26. The two sides noted that this year, the first meeting of the China-Pakistan Joint Working Group on Trade, Investment and E-commerce, and the China-Pakistan Business Poverty Reduction and Social Development Forum were held, which organized exchanges and docking between the two countries in the fields of medicine, agriculture, and shoemaking. activities and training courses on poverty reduction capacity. China is willing to continue relevant pragmatic cooperation with Pakistan to help Pakistan reduce poverty and develop its economy and society.
27. The Pakistani side appreciates China’s great achievements in poverty alleviation, which has lifted more than 800 million people out of absolute poverty. Noting that the recent floods in Pakistan have resulted in the displacement of a large number of people, China agreed to support the Pakistani government to help the disaster-stricken areas recover their economies through the Benazir Income Support Program.
28. The two sides agreed to continue to maintain close communication to further facilitate Pakistani students coming to China. Prime Minister Shabazz thanked China for its efforts in resuming classes for Pakistani students returning to China.
29. The two sides agreed to inject new impetus into people-to-people and cultural exchanges, tourism cooperation and cultural exchanges between the two countries, appreciated the role played by the cultural cooperation agreement between the two governments and its implementation plan, and welcomed the extension of the implementation plan to 2027.
30. The two sides once again welcomed the holding of the “China-Pakistan Tourism Exchange Year” in 2023 and the Gandhara Art Exhibition to be held in the Palace Museum in Beijing from 2022 to 2023.
31. The two sides noted the gradual resumption of flight operations between the two countries and agreed to further increase the number of direct flights including Islamabad-Beijing in due course.
32. The two sides expressed satisfaction with the close cooperation, trust and communication between the two militaries. Stressing that stronger China-Pakistan strategic defense and security cooperation is an important factor for peace and stability in the region, they agreed to maintain the momentum of high-level exchanges and mutual visits between the two militaries, and deepen cooperation in military training, joint exercises, military technology and other fields.
33. Both sides condemn terrorism in all its forms and oppose the politicization of counter-terrorism issues. The Chinese side affirms the contribution and sacrifice made by the Pakistani side in the fight against terrorism. The two sides agreed to further strengthen anti-terrorism cooperation and promote world peace and security.
34. The two sides reiterated that a peaceful and prosperous South Asia serves the common interests of all parties. Both sides stressed that all outstanding disputes will be resolved through sincere dialogue. Pakistan briefed the Chinese side on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. China reiterates that the Kashmir issue is a dispute left over from history and should be properly resolved through peaceful means in accordance with the UN Charter, relevant Security Council resolutions and bilateral agreements.
35. On the Afghanistan issue, the two sides agreed that a peaceful, prosperous, interconnected and stable Afghanistan is the foundation of regional prosperity and progress. The two sides expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the three foreign ministers’ meetings of Afghanistan’s neighbors and looked forward to the next meeting in Uzbekistan.
36. The two sides stressed the need for the international community to continue to provide assistance and support to Afghanistan, including thawing Afghanistan’s overseas financial assets. The two sides agreed to continue to provide humanitarian and economic assistance to the Afghan people and strengthen development cooperation in Afghanistan, including promoting the extension of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor to Afghanistan.
37. The two sides reaffirmed their adherence to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and jointly promote multilateralism, free trade and win-win cooperation. The two sides expressed satisfaction with the close cooperation on multilateral occasions and determined to further deepen strategic communication, coordination and consultation.
38. The Pakistani side supports the global development initiative proposed by the Chinese side. The two sides believe that development is an important driving force for the prosperity of all countries, and agree to further strengthen cooperation in various fields under the framework of the Global Development Initiative in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. The Chinese side appreciates that Pakistan joined the “Group of Friends of the Global Development Initiative” as one of the first members, and identified Pakistan as a priority partner of the Global Development Initiative.
39. The Pakistani side supports the global security initiative proposed by the Chinese side, and believes that the initiative is in line with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. The two sides are willing to strengthen international cooperation in this regard.
40. Both sides support a consensus-based reform of the United Nations that responds to the interests and concerns of all Member States.
41. The two sides stressed that they will further strengthen coordination and cooperation within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, jointly promote the comprehensive deepening of cooperation in the fields of politics, security, economy and trade, connectivity, and people-to-people and cultural engagement of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, so as to better serve the common interests of countries in the region, and to safeguard the Make greater contributions to regional peace and stability, promoting prosperity and development, and improving global governance.
42. The two sides reaffirm their commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights for all in accordance with applicable international obligations and national circumstances. The two sides stressed that bilateral and multilateral cooperation in the field of human rights should be based on the principles of the UN Charter, including respect for political independence, sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs.
43. The two sides believe that climate change is a real threat, and take concrete and coordinated efforts to mitigate and adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the goals, principles and provisions of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and its Paris Agreement, in particular the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.
44. The two sides recognize that the recent floods in Pakistan are closely related to the adverse effects of climate change. Developing countries have little responsibility for climate change and are disproportionately affected. The two sides called on developed countries to fulfill their commitments, take the lead in reducing emissions to ensure the development rights and space of developing countries, and provide developing countries with adequate climate finance.
45. The two sides appreciate the Pakistani side’s initiative to address man-made climate change and the Chinese side’s green “Belt and Road” initiative, and agree to strengthen cooperation in areas such as ecosystem restoration and water resource management.
46. ​​Prime Minister Shabazz thanked the Chinese leaders and Chinese people for their warm reception, and wished China lasting development and prosperity and strides forward on the road of national rejuvenation.
47. During this visit, the two sides signed and reached a number of agreements/memorandums of understanding, covering e-commerce, digital economy, export of agricultural products to China, financial cooperation, cultural relics protection, infrastructure, flood emergency assistance, post-disaster reconstruction, global development initiatives , animal disease prevention and control, social and people’s livelihood, cultural cooperation, aerospace, geology, and law enforcement security.