URUMQI: The Ambassador of Pakistan to China, Khalil Hashmi, called on Ma Xingrui, Secretary of the CPC Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, ahead of a state banquet hosted by Governor Erkin Tuniyaz. During the meeting, Ambassador Hashmi reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening ties with Xinjiang, which he described as a vital gateway for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and a cornerstone of bilateral relations.
The ambassador praised the transformation of the Khunjerab Pass into an all-weather route, which has unlocked new opportunities for trade and tourism. He emphasized the potential for enhanced collaboration in areas such as skill development, agriculture, renewable energy, and logistics, aiming to capitalize on Xinjiang’s advancements to benefit Pakistan’s economy.
Ambassador Hashmi also underscored the deep cultural and historical ties between Pakistan and Xinjiang, noting their shared legacy as a foundation for people-to-people exchanges and economic cooperation. He highlighted Xinjiang’s pivotal role as a nodal point in CPEC, describing it as a hub of Silk Road culture and a driving force for regional connectivity and development.
Concluding his remarks, the ambassador expressed gratitude to Xinjiang’s leadership for their warm hospitality and for organizing insightful programs, including a counter-terrorism exhibition and visits to local enterprises. These engagements, he noted, offered valuable insights into Xinjiang’s rapid transformation and further reinforced the commitment to mutual growth and collaboration.