In a significant move to strengthen ties with China, Pakistan is set to offer free visas to Chinese citizens beginning August 14. This announcement was made by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during a meeting with a high-level Chinese delegation.
The 12-member delegation, led by Minister Wang Fukang, met with Prime Minister Sharif on Thursday. The premier expressed Pakistan’s commitment to its long-standing relationship with China, highlighting that the goal is to model Pakistan’s economy after China’s successful framework.
Economic Cooperation and Joint Ventures
Prime Minister Sharif emphasized the importance of industrial cooperation between the two nations. He mentioned that during his recent visit to China, he had requested President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Li Qiang to send experts to Pakistan. These experts are now in Pakistan, and the premier expressed confidence that their presence would lead to significant progress.
“We are looking forward to creating a win-win situation through joint ventures and cooperation,” Sharif said. He welcomed the delegation, reiterating that China and Pakistan are eternal friends with a bond that knows no bounds. The premier expressed hope that the delegation’s visit would be both useful and productive for Pakistan.
Enhancing Bilateral Arrangements
Prime Minister Sharif, who is serving his second term, anticipated that this initiative would enhance bilateral arrangements in various sectors, including industry, agriculture, and economic zones. He highlighted the potential for Pakistan to increase its capacity to produce agricultural items that are in high demand in China.
Moreover, Sharif pointed out that Pakistan could meet Chinese requirements by exporting high-quality goods and exploring opportunities in mining, minerals, IT, and export zones. He passionately described the Sino-Pak relationship as being “higher than the Himalayas and deeper than the oceans,” underscoring the significance of this alliance for Pakistan’s national interests.
Strategic Alliance Amid Global Dynamics
Despite calls from some Western countries to reconsider this alliance, Pakistan remains firmly focused on maintaining strong ties with Beijing. The premier stressed that China has proven to be a reliable ally for Pakistan at critical times. Last year, Beijing’s swift extension of loans helped Pakistan avoid a potential default, illustrating the depth of their strategic partnership.
As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China has consistently supported Pakistan’s fundamental interests on international platforms. Prime Minister Sharif expressed gratitude for this unwavering support and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening this robust relationship.