Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar arrives in China on Monday (today) on a four-day visit at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping to participate in the ‘3rd Belt and Road Forum (BRF) for International Cooperation.’.

“He was received by Chinese Minister of Science & Technology, Wang Zhigang, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong and Ambassador of Pakistan to China Moin-ul-Haq,” the Prime Minister’s Office said.

He is accompanied by a high-level delegation including members of the cabinet and senior government officials.

The PM would attend the opening ceremony of the BRF and address the high-level forum titled ‘Connectivity in an Open Global Economy’ to be held on 18 October 2023.

Before leaving, the prime minister said: “I am going to Beijing on the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping and I look forward to dialogue, development of relations, and new partnership.”

The third Belt and Road Forum is to be held in Beijing on October 17 and 18 to promote regional connectivity.

The Prime Minister would hold bilateral meetings with President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and Li Xi, a member of the Standing Committee of Politburo of CPC Central Committee.

“The leaders will discuss all facets of bilateral relations, with particular focus on strengthening trade and economic cooperation between the two countries. They will exchange views on major regional and global developments. The Prime Minister will also meet with other leaders of countries participating in the BRF,” said the statement.

In an op-ed for China’s Global Times, which was published ahead of his departure, Kakar talked about the enduring ties between both countries.

“The timeless Pakistan-China partnership and deep-rooted friendship serves the interests of both countries, being the historic choice of our people. Pakistan-China relations remain the cornerstone of our foreign policy. The close time-tested friendship with China enjoys the abiding support of the people of Pakistan,” he said.