Dateline Report
ISLAMABAD: In a significant diplomatic move, the 4th meeting of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Joint Working Group on International Cooperation and Coordination (JWG-ICC) convened here on Sunday. Chaired by Foreign Secretary Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi and China’s Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sun Weidong, the meeting underscored the commitment of both nations to bolster international cooperation, particularly within the framework of CPEC.
Reviewing progress since the virtual meeting in July 2022, officials expressed satisfaction with CPEC’s role in enhancing international and regional connectivity. The project’s open and inclusive nature was acknowledged, emphasizing the enduring partnership between Pakistan and China as All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partners.
Foreign Secretary Qazi highlighted CPEC’s pivotal role in fostering win-win cooperation and sustainable development, extending an invitation for collaboration to interested third parties. The meeting addressed disinformation campaigns, stressing the importance of countering false narratives surrounding CPEC.
Recognizing the evolving nature of CPEC, the nations agreed to intensify efforts in industry, agriculture, information technology, and science and technology. This commitment aims to ensure tangible socio-economic benefits for the people. Rejecting misinformation, officials emphasized the need to counter distorted reporting on CPEC.
In a joint effort to promote collaboration, both sides supported media and think tank cooperation, building on the outcomes of the Pakistan-China Think Tanks Forum in 2022 and 2023. The agreement includes sharing best practices and creating an intellectual knowledge pool on CPEC and Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) development through enhanced international communication and cooperation.
This latest development signifies a strengthened partnership between Pakistan and China and sets the stage for further collaborative endeavors.
