Pakistani Delegation Visits China to Discuss Gwadar Port and CPEC Cooperation
A Pakistani delegation comprising foreign affairs expert Muhammad Mehdi and officials from Balochistan has visited China at the invitation of the Chinese government to discuss bilateral relations, regional cooperation, the future of Gwadar Port, and opportunities to expand trade between the two countries. The visit was organised by the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad.
Discussions during the visit focused on strengthening Pakistan-China relations, the strategic importance of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Gwadar Port's development, and expanding economic and commercial cooperation. The delegation met Cheng Wei, Counsellor in the South Asia Division of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Li Xiang, Deputy Director-General at the ministry; and Gao Yuqing, Director of the Tianjin International Trade and Shipping Centre.
According to a statement issued after the meetings, the discussions provided an opportunity to explore new avenues of cooperation and further strengthen the longstanding friendship between Pakistan and China.
Gwadar Port's Strategic Importance Highlighted
Speaking during the meetings, foreign affairs expert Muhammad Mehdi described Gwadar as more than a Pakistani port, calling it a potential trade gateway to West Asia. He said the port could provide China with one of the shortest maritime routes for trade with Europe and Africa.Mehdi also discussed the security situation in Balochistan, saying it was gradually improving due to strategies adopted by Pakistan's security forces. However, he stressed the need for Pakistan and China to develop a coordinated strategy to address security challenges facing CPEC.
He also congratulated Chinese officials on the initiative to make Tianjin Port the world's first carbon-free port. Mehdi expressed hope that similar modern, environmentally sustainable development projects could be introduced at Karachi and Gwadar ports. He said upgrading Pakistan's port infrastructure in line with international standards could create further opportunities for economic cooperation between the two countries.
Cooperation in Healthcare and Social Development
During the discussions, Gwadar Port Authority Director Qazi Nematullah appreciated China's continued support for social welfare initiatives in Gwadar. He also discussed prospects for expanding bilateral cooperation in healthcare, including the establishment of a hospital in the port city.Himal Dashti, representing Gwadar Port Development, thanked the Chinese officials and appreciated Muhammad Mehdi's detailed discussion of issues concerning Gwadar.
Balochi Cultural Gifts Presented to Chinese Officials
The meetings also highlighted cultural ties between Pakistan and China. Hayat Murad, representing Pakistan Customs, presented traditional Balochi shawls and caps to the Chinese hosts and Muhammad Mehdi as gestures of friendship and goodwill.The visit underscored the importance of continued Pakistan-China engagement, particularly in advancing CPEC, developing Gwadar Port, improving port infrastructure, and identifying new opportunities for trade and economic cooperation.