Three Chinese towns are now sister cities to Karachi, Gwadar, Multan

ISLAMABAD: Chinese cities Urumqi, Puyang and Xi’an were named as sister cities to Karachi, Gwadar, and Multan, respectively, at a forum held in Beijing to fortify the bond of all-weather ally countries.

According to a press release, federal Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination Dr Fehmida Mirza headed the country’s delegation at the event during which Pakistani and Chinese officials inked accords in this regard.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Mirza said Pakistan highly values its relationship and mutual cooperation with China.

The minister, on behalf of the people of Pakistan, acknowledged and appreciated China’s support for Pakistan in the recent situation and playing a role in de-escalating tension in South Asia.

She observed that the visit of Prime Minister Imran Khan to China had given a new impetus to Pakistan-China friendship and opened up several new avenues of cooperation.

It was informed at the event that the forum would facilitate cooperation in province-city management, public health, environmental protection, poverty alleviation, trade and investment, tourism cooperation, urbanisation and vocational/professional education. It will enhance mutual understanding between enterprises of the two countries and boost economic and trade ties.

Pakistan’s Ambassador to China Masood Khalid and the Executive Vice Governor of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Zhang Chunlin, also addressed the forum.