BEIJING (AP) — Beijing is eager to collaborate with Islamabad in developing an upgraded version of an economic corridor connecting the two countries, as stated by China’s leader Xi Jinping during a meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday.
Sharif assured the safety of Chinese workers in Pakistan, as reported in their meeting documented by state broadcaster CCTV. Sharif also conveyed his government’s condolences for the loss of five Chinese engineers in March due to a suicide bombing in Pakistan. The engineers were involved in a dam project in Pakistan.
During his five-day visit, the Pakistani leader made his first trip to China since his election in March. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor focuses on constructing and enhancing roads and rail networks to connect western China’s Xinjiang region to Pakistan’s Gwadar port on the Arabian Sea. This initiative is part of Xi’s Belt and Road Initiative to stimulate trade by developing infrastructure globally.
Xi expressed his desire for Pakistan to guarantee the safety of Chinese personnel and projects, as per CCTV’s report.
Additionally, Xi met with Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, who expressed a wish for Chinese companies to participate in a Brazilian government infrastructure program encompassing railways, energy, ports, and airports.
Xi emphasized that China-Brazil relations serve as a model for fostering unity and cooperation among emerging economies. The Chinese leader aims to strengthen connections with Brazil, Russia, and other nations to counterbalance US dominance in global affairs.
