Pakistan to Collaborate with China on Counter-Terrorism Efforts: President

Urumqi: President Asif Ali Zardari expressed optimism that the increasing connections between Xinjiang and the northern areas of Pakistan will further enhance cultural and economic ties. He shared these views during a meeting with the Communist Party Secretary of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Chen Xiaojiang, in Urumqi.

According to Radio Pakistan, President Zardari emphasized the importance of easy access by road between the two countries. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to work alongside China in combating terrorism and extremism while expanding cooperation across various sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, livestock, industry, mining, and new technologies.

Highlighting the crucial role of Xinjiang in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, the President encouraged increased industrial and agricultural collaboration, pointing out the potential of Special Economic Zones in Gilgit-Baltistan. He extended an invitation to the people of Xinjiang to visit Pakistan’s northern regions and emphasized Pakistan’s status as China’s most reliable partner and trusted friend.

In response, Chen Xiaojiang noted that Xinjiang has become a hub of prosperity, social stability, and peace, with its GDP exceeding 5.6 trillion yuan. He highlighted the region’s progress in agriculture and livestock and its focus on addressing the root causes of extremism and terrorism.

The Party Secretary expressed Xinjiang’s interest in deepening Government-to-Government and Business-to-Business cooperation with Pakistan, particularly in sectors like agriculture, livestock, mining, and industry. He reaffirmed the commitment to closely collaborate on security and counter-terrorism initiatives.