Associated Press of Pakistan:

Please brief us on the cooperation between the CIDCA and Pakistan and other neighboring countries in poverty reduction and people's livelihood development and consolidating the foundation of economic development. What of those have been achieved, and what are the plans for the next step? Thank you.

Luo Zhaohui:

Although I am the former Chinese ambassador to Pakistan, I prefer to defer this question to Mr. Deng, who is more familiar with this area.

Deng Boqing:

Thank you, my Pakistani friend. Your questions have prompted me to recall something. Previously, also at this venue, we held a press conference during a critical time in the fight against the pandemic. Before asking questions, a Pakistani friend first thanked the Chinese government’s on-time assistance to Pakistan. Seeing you here, I am filled with a sense of familiarity and warmth. China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic cooperative partners. Our bilateral development and cooperation have yielded numerous heartwarming stories, as well as many “firsts,” and here I would like to give you some examples.

We established the first mechanism for social and livelihood cooperation. Over the past five years, the two countries have engaged in pragmatic and efficient cooperation in six areas including agriculture, education, medical treatment, poverty alleviation, water supply, and vocational education, advancing 27 priority projects in an orderly manner.

We signed the first memorandum to implement the GDI, which has charted the right course for bilateral development and cooperation. Additionally, we constructed the first subway line in Pakistan, which has not only greatly improved travel efficiency for residents in Lahore, but also mostly alleviated traffic congestion in the surrounding urban area.

As I mentioned earlier, following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, we immediately provided anti-pandemic materials and vaccines to Pakistan, dispatched medical groups to the country, and supported Pakistan in establishing isolation hospitals. Mr. Luo served as Chinese ambassador to Pakistan during that time and holds deep affection for the country. Many initiatives were carried out under his direct command.

Last August, when Pakistan experienced a severe flood disaster, China immediately provided emergency humanitarian assistance through sea, land, and air channels. The cooperative development between China and Pakistan serves as the epitome of the CIDCA’s efforts to implement the concepts of China’s neighborhood diplomacy, as proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping. Over the past decade, China has actively practiced the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness, and pursued friendly and cooperative relations with neighboring countries. Significant efforts have been made to boost cooperation in poverty alleviation and other areas important to the people’s lives, which has improved people’s well-being and achieved fruitful results.

Extending a helping hand in critical moments demonstrates the principle of amity. After the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, we immediately provided free vaccines and other anti-pandemic materials including masks and breathing machines to neighboring countries. According to preliminary statistics, we have provided more than 600 million doses of vaccines to ASEAN countries.

We believe in sincerity and honor commitments, which embodies the principle of sincerity. China's assistance goes beyond simply giving a fish; we aim to show people how to fish. We share governance experience and practical agricultural techniques, establish Luban Workshops, and help train vocational and skilled personnel.

Tangible achievements in bilateral cooperation showcase the principle of mutual benefit. Former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen once noted that the prosperous development of projects such as the Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone and the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway not only enhances the country’s infrastructure but also boosts its tourism, commerce, and agriculture sectors.

Expanding trilateral cooperation widely reflects the principle of inclusiveness. We collaborate with over 20 international organizations, including the World Food Programme (WFP), the UNDP, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Additionally, we have promoted numerous “small yet smart” livelihood programs in neighboring countries. According to preliminary statistics, these programs have already benefited millions of people.

Next, the CIDCA will continue to actively support neighboring countries in enhancing infrastructure and connectivity, and provide assistance in poverty alleviation and livelihood improvement, all in an effort to contribute to the building of a community with a shared future among neighboring countries. Thank you.