Pakistan and China sign 23 MoUs to deepen bilateral cooperation

Pakistan and China have signed 23 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) on Friday to enhance bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors including transport infrastructure, industry, energy, agriculture, media, health, water, socioeconomic development, and other areas of mutual interest.

The MoUs were signed following delegation-level talks in Beijing between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his Chinese counterpart, Li Qiang. Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch stated at her weekly press briefing that the leaders reaffirmed the Pakistan-China Strategic Cooperative Partnership, characterized by mutual trust, shared principles, and strategic governance.

Before departing for his five-day visit to China, Prime Minister Shehbaz told Chinese media in an interview, "We are coming with serious plans. We will engage with you and return to Pakistan with great dividends that will benefit Chinese and Pakistani companies, and the two countries will have their relations strengthened and become much higher than the Himalayas or any other highest peaks and deeper than the deepest oceans."

Both sides expressed unwavering support for each other’s core issues and reiterated their commitment to the high-quality development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the timely completion of ongoing projects. They resolved to protect CPEC from detractors and adversaries, with Prime Minister Shehbaz reaffirming commitment to ensure the safety and security of Chinese personnel and projects in Pakistan.

The two countries agreed to maintain high-level exchanges, including strengthening institutional linkages in all tiers and spheres. They will continue consultations on matters of bilateral and global significance, especially during Pakistan’s two-year term as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the term 2025-2026.

The spokesperson also noted that since his arrival in China, Prime Minister Shehbaz has met with Chinese investors and businesspersons to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan. During meetings and events, including a Business Forum in Shenzhen, he encouraged Chinese companies to invest and develop joint ventures.

Several MoUs have also been signed with Chinese companies in economy, green energy, textiles, and manufacturing.