Urumqi (China) Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Friday said Pakistan that is unique and special relationship between Pakistan and China is rooted in bilateral trust, mutual respect and shared aspirations and invaluable warmth that has been nurtured by successive generations of leadership and peoples of the two countries.
Addressing the students and faculty of Xinjiang University in Urumqi on Friday, the premier said that Pakistan aimed to utilise the position of China’s Xinjiang province as an “important node” of the economic corridor between the two countries.
He said Pakistan seeks to learn from Xinjiang's success in agricultural modernisation.
"We will also aim to set up a joint agricultural demonstration zone in Pakistan to introduce modern farming techniques and practices," PM Kakar said.
PM Kakar said that Pakistan aims to develop linkages between the Industries of Xinjiang and Pakistan especially Gilgit-Baltistan region. He said one particular area in this regard could be solar energy, a key sector in Xinjiang.
"We look forward to promote cultural and people to connections with Xinjiang," the premier said, inviting tourists from Xinjiang and other parts of China to visit tourist places in Pakistan.
The prime minister said that Xinjiang holds a special place in the hearts of Pakistanis as our neighboring region with longstanding cultural and historical linkages.
He said that Khunjerab border connecting Pakistan and China through this region is a more than a geographical demarcation. It is not only a channel of trade and transportation but also a vital bridge that connects the two great nations.
"We will jointly work to identify the respective strengths of Gilgit-Baltistan and Xinjiang and build on our synergies for improving the livelihoods of the people of our region," PM Kakar said.
The prime minister said as per consensus reached in Beijing, our land border at Khunjerab will be converted into an all-weather border. We will like to upgrade the customs and other logistic services to facilitate trade and movement of people.
He said that Pakistan views its ties with China from a strategic long term perspective. He said in this ever changing global landscape, Pakistan-China friendship is a constant and will remain so.
PM Kakar said building on the success of our political ties, the two countries have placed special focus on the economic partnership manifested in CPEC.
The prime minister on the occasion interacted with Pakistani and Chinese students and expressed high hopes for them to act as a bridge of friendship and brotherhood between their countries in the years to come.
He also visited the History Museum at the Xinjiang University where he was briefed about the history of the 99 year old university.