An international symposium on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was held during the 2023 Muztagata Forum in Kashi, Xinjiang Uygur, on Monday.
The symposium aimed to commemorate the 10th anniversary of CPEC and strengthen cooperation between the academic circles of China and Pakistan.
Renowned scholars from China, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and other countries participated to discuss the opportunities, challenges and approaches to promote development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
Prof. Dr. Qaisar Abbas, vice chancellor of the University of Sargodha, attended through a video link the session titled “Prospects for China-Central Asian Cooperation and CPEC under the Great Changes”.
In his address, Prof. Abbas highlighted the extraordinary and unwavering friendship between China and Pakistan, which had endured profound changes unseen in a century.
He emphasised that their relationship, established in 1951, had remained strong due to mutual trust and shared values.
The VC provided historical context, noting that the relationship between China and Pakistan began during the peak of the Cold War. Despite their opposing political orientations, Pakistan recognised the newly-formed People's Republic of China in 1951, becoming the first Muslim country to do so.
Prof. Abbas said that the goodwill gesture laid the foundation of a relationship built on mutual understanding and trust.
Dr. Qaisar Abbas also highlighted the key milestones in the bilateral relations, such as border demarcation and China's assistance to Pakistan during the 1965 war with India.
He highlighted China's crucial role in securing Pakistan's interests, including the release of Pakistani prisoners of war and supporting Pakistan's stance on the status of Kashmir.
The VC emphasised on the shared perspective between China and Pakistan on regional and global developments. Both countries stood united against hegemony, unilateralism, and the use of force in international affairs.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 20th, 2023.
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