Islamabad, 31 July 2023 (APP)

Pakistan and China on Monday, expressing satisfaction at the steady development of CPEC projects in Pakistan, agreed on its centrality for Pakistan’s socio-economic development.

Both the countries on Monday signed six documents at a ceremony held in Prime Minister House witnessed by Prime Minister Shehbaz and Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng, who, along with a delegation, is visiting here to attend the 10th-anniversary celebrations of CPEC.

Both countries signed Document on Joint cooperation committee on CPEC; MoU on establishing export exchange mechanism within the framework of CPEC; protocol of phytosanitary requirements for export of dry chilies from Pakistan to China and a Document on the final report on the feasibility study of realignment of KKH Phase-II.

Both sides also signed through diplomatic channels an MoU on the industrial workers exchange program as well as minutes of the 21st conference of technical committee to promote the strategic ML-1 project.

The bilateral ties including the CPEC were discussed in a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and He Lifeng, Vice Premier of China and Member of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China.

At the invitation of the Government of Pakistan, the Special Envoy of President Xi Jinping He Lifeng is visiting here to attend the 10th-anniversary celebrations of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Both sides expressed their firm commitment to continue working together for realizing the shared objectives of the CPEC.

It was also agreed that 10th anniversary of CPEC celebrations constituted a fresh starting point to further expand CPEC as envisaged by the leadership of the two countries.

The conversation was marked by traditional warmth and cordiality that has been the hallmark of Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership.

During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on several aspects of bilateral relationship including CPEC and bilateral economic and financial cooperation.

Welcoming Vice-Premier He Lifeng to Pakistan, the prime minister congratulated him on being promoted as the Vice-Premier of China in March this year.

Appreciating China’s support for Pakistan’s economic development, the prime minister observed that as strategic partners and trusted friends, the two countries have always stood by each other in difficult times, as evidenced by Chinese support to Pakistan in the aftermath of COVID-19 pandemic and devastating floods in Pakistan.

Noting the unanimity of views between the two countries on regional issues, both leaders reiterated their resolve to support each other on all issues of their core interests.

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif recalled that 10 years ago, CPEC was signed between that time Prime Minister Nawaz and President Xi Jinping and implementation was started within no time.

“Today we can claim that under CPEC above $25 billion investment took place in power, road, hydel power, and public transport. Now we are entering the second phase. Today, we signed certain important documents which will further enhance cooperation and undertake the second phase of CPEC under a new model,” the prime minister said.

He said the second phase of CPEC would feature the B2B investment in agriculture and information technology to enable Pakistan to export its products according to Chinese standards and requirements.

The prime minister also thanked Chinese President Xi Jinping for sending his special envoy to Pakistan and showing solidarity for people-to-people friendship and showing to the world that both countries were bound in a great and unique relationship.

“We are all-weather friends and iron brothers. This friendship will continue and will not tolerate any kind of obstacle in its way,” Prime Minister Shehbaz remarked.

He said Pakistan was absolutely ready to contribute to President Xi’s vision of shared prosperity.

Highlighting the importance of ML-1 and Karachi Circular Railway, the prime minister expressed the hope that both projects would be successfully executed to make Pakistan stand on its own feet through the hard work and untiring efforts of both countries.

“It is the Chinese model, It is President Xi Jinping’s model and will emulate it under the vision of our Pakistan’s founding father late Quiad-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah to promote prosperity and peace in this country,” he commented.

In his remarks, Vice Premier He Lifeng conveyed President Xi Jinping’s message of China’s firm support to Pakistan’s prosperity and development.

Lifeng underlined that Pakistan-China friendship was unique and had withstood the vicissitude of time due to deep fraternal ties between the peoples of two nations.

He reiterated that as an iron-brother and strategic partner, China would continue its existing economic and financial support to Pakistan.

Welcoming the prime minister’s vision for deepening trade and investment ties with Pakistan, the Chinese vice premier conveyed China’s willingness to enhance Pakistan’s agro and food exports to China.

The Chinese delegation included Guo Wei, Deputy Secretary General of the State Council of China, Sun Weidong, Vice Minister of Foreign Ministry, Cong Liang, Vice Chairman National Development & Reform Commission, Xuan Changneng, Deputy Governor of the People’s Bank of China, Wang Kebing, Deputy Governor of the People’s Bank of China, Wang Liping, Director General of the Department of Asian Affairs of the Ministry of Commerce, Pang Chunxue, Charge d’Affaires, Chinese Embassy Islamabad and other senior Chinese officials.

The Pakistan side included Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Syed Naveed Qamar, Minister for Commerce, Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Minister for Finance, Rana Sanaullah Khan, Minister for Interior, Marriyum Aurangzeb, Minister for Information, Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Planning, Khawaja Saad Rafique, Minister for Railways, Hina Rabbani Khar, MOS for Foreign Affairs, Syed Tariq Fatemi, SAPM and senior officials from relevant ministries.

After the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Vice Premier He oversaw the ceremony for signing of agreements, MoUs and other documents covering areas including agriculture; industrial cooperation; transport connectivity, etc.

Later, the prime minister hosted a luncheon in honour of He Lifeng and the accompanying delegation.

Chinese Vice Prime Minister He Lifeng paid visit to Pakistan President Arif Alvi who conferred top civil award of Hilal-e-Pakistan to the visiting dear guest of Pakistan,

As per ISPR press release, visiting Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng met General Syed Asim Munir, Chief Of Army Staff of Pakistan today. During the meeting, matters of mutual interest and defence cooperation were discussed.

Both reiterated the desire to further enhance and strengthen bilateral relations in all fields.

To commemorate the 10th anniversary of CPEC, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng  participated in launching ceremony of a commemorative coin of Rs.100 and postal stamp.

Both along with members of delegations participated in heritage/cultural program presented by Pakistani artists. Later, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and special representative of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng participated in a group photo with Pakistani cultural performers and renowned Pakistani artists.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and special representative of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng joined in a group photo with school children on the ceremony of the 10th anniversary of the commencement of China Pakistan Economic Corridor.

 

 

Islamabad, 30 July 2023 (APP)

Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Sunday highlighted milestone achievements made under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) during the last 10 years and the deepening relations between the two countries also known as “Iron Brothers” with each passing day.

Addressing a news conference here ahead of the visit of the Deputy Prime Minister of China in connection with CPEC’s 10-year celebrations, he signified the CPEC agreements signed in 2015, which transformed Pakistan’s profile from a security state to an investment destination.

He lauded Chinese President Xi Jinping’s role in elevating Pakistan’s image globally as an attractive investment destination, fostering economic cooperation and development.

The minister highlighted that in the span of three years, CPEC saw the successful completion of numerous projects worth around $25 billion.

These projects encompassed various sectors, including power generation, infrastructure development, education and more, he said adding the Thar coal project stood out as a monumental achievement, harnessing Pakistan’s vast coal reserves for power generation, making it a significant contributor to the country’s energy needs.

Ahsan Iqbal emphasized that CPEC provided opportunities for Pakistani workers and engineers to acquire training in modern technology and project management.

Additionally, he said, the collaboration between China and Pakistan in the education sector facilitated thousands of Pakistani students to pursue higher education in China.

The minister expressed gratitude to President Xi Jinping for China’s unwavering support and investment in Pakistan during challenging times.

He stressed that China’s investment of billions of dollars in CPEC projects illustrated its status as Pakistan’s most reliable friend and a key partner in economic development.

Talking about the current government’s approach to CPEC, the minister said the revival of CPEC initiatives under Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s leadership demonstrated Pakistan’s renewed commitment to economic growth and collaboration with China.

Ahsan Iqbal acknowledged the positive turnaround in Pakistan’s economy, indicating renewed global interest in the country.

He cited examples of significant improvements in Gwadar Port’s handling of cargo and the completion of pending projects that had been stalled for years, during the tenure of the previous government.

Regarding the upcoming visit of the Deputy Prime Minister of China, Ahsan Iqbal mentioned that the event aimed to commemorate the ten-year journey of CPEC.

He anticipated that the visit would lead to further progress in business-to-business links, industrialization, and cooperation in science and technology between China and Pakistan.

The minister also shed light on the ML-1 project, expressing optimism that its technical parameters had been agreed upon, paving the way for its implementation soon.

Ahsan Iqbal emphasized the importance of continuing the policies that had propelled Pakistan’s economic recovery and development under the CPEC framework.

He urged steadfastness in building upon the strong relationship between Pakistan and China, reaffirming that CPEC remained a symbol of bilateral friendship and successful economic cooperation.

Doha, 30 July 2023 (QT)

By Ashraf Siddiqui

Asif Rahmany, the president of Engineers Australia Qatar Chapter (EAQC), has been elected Overseas Chapters Representative to the Engineers Australia National Congress. He will hold the position for a two-year term from 2023 to 2024.

Engineers Australia’s National Congress plays a crucial role within the organisation as it elects the EA board of directors, which governs Engineers Australia. The EA National Congress has 30 members representing divisions, disciplinary colleges, technical societies, special interest groups and national committees.

Engineers Australia boasts an extensive membership of 115,000 professionals across various engineering disciplines, with chapters in a number of countries worldwide. The National Congress plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the best interests of Engineers Australia as a whole, its duties include providing valuable advice and counsel to the board, reviewing and approving resolutions on important matters, and supporting the achievement of Engineers Australia’s objectives through a strategic and comprehensive approach.

The organisation plays a vital role in promoting and advancing the engineering profession both within Australia and outside. It offers a diverse range of programmes, services, and activities, all aimed at maintaining the highest standards of engineering practice and preparing the profession to face future challenges.

Engineers Australia’s mission is centred on creating a better world through exceptional engineering which they tirelessly pursue through advocacy, education and innovation. This appointment is a significant achievement for Rahmany, and EAQC, demonstrating their dedication to the engineering profession and their commitment to promoting excellence in the field.

Talking to writer, Rahmany expressed his gratitude to the electors. He said that along with the team at Qatar Chapter, he will use their extensive experience and knowledge to bring a unique perspective to the National Congress. He said that this role provides an excellent opportunity for collaboration with representatives from different divisions and associated bodies, fostering a stronger and more diverse engineering community within Engineers Australia.

Engineers Australia Qatar Chapter was established in 2015 and was headed by Mahmoud Fahmy (2015-17), Mustafa Cherkawi (20172019), Tamer Naguib (20192021) before Asif Rahmany who has been heading the chapter since 2022. Rahmany’s unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation has earned him the reputation of a true global business leader.

His strategic insights, coupled with a deep understanding of the intricacies of the energy sector, have contributed to the success of numerous projects and initiatives. Asif Rahmany, a graduate in engineering from Aligarh Muslim University has pursued executive courses at distinguished universities such as Harvard, Michigan, Adelaide and the University of British Columbia.

Seoul, 28 July 2023 (PNA/Anadolu)

Despite strained relations between Seoul and Pyongyang, locals still long for a united Korea.

Thursday marked 70 years to the end of the Korean War, which began on June 25, 1950. The two sides are technically still at war because, even though the conflict ended in an armistice deal on July 27, 1953, the two nations did not sign a peace treaty.

Um Taek-gu, 86, who was born in Kosong County, southeastern North Korea, escaped to South Korea with his family during the war.

Speaking to Anadolu, Um said he would return to his hometown and see his friends and relatives when the two Koreas reunite.

He added that he missed his birthplace and wished for peace in the Korean Peninsula.

Choi In-seo, 76, was also born in Kosong. He only remembers fleeing to the South at a young age with his family during the armed conflict. According to him, unification is impossible, even though he wants to see “One Korea with all my heart and soul.”

“I am over 70 years old; I don’t think I can see this dream being realized,” he added.

Jang Yong-woo, director of the Korean War Veterans Association, said Koreans see Türkiye as a “blood brother” because of Turkish soldiers’ participation in the Korean War.

Turkish forces served under the UN command during the Korean War, and as many as 774 troops died.

Jang said they launched a campaign and delivered aid to the Turkish Embassy in Seoul after the Feb. 6 earthquakes in Türkiye, which killed more than 50,000 people.

Voice of America reported South Korea recently commemorated 70th anniversary of the Korean War’s outbreak amid the coronavirus pandemic, not an official holiday, but the occasion is often marked with ceremonies, war photography exhibitions and tours to former battlefield sites for visiting foreign veterans.

This year, many public observances have been scaled down or cancelled because of the coronavirus, which health officials say is now in its second wave in South Korea.

Kim Young-ho was among 370 Korean War veterans honoured Thursday morning at a ceremony in Cheorwon County, northeast of Seoul and adjacent to the demilitarized zone that has separated the two Koreas since the early 1950s.

Seoul’s Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs estimates 84,000 Korean War veterans are still alive.

In accordance with physical-distancing regulations, all participants in the event were required to wear masks and were seated a meter away from each other. Guest attendance was more limited than was the case in previous years, local officials said.

Kim said it was inevitable that the commemoration needed to be smaller because of the coronavirus but that he is more disappointed that after 70 years, the standoff between the two Koreas is still not resolved.

“I feel this status quo will last until I die,” the 89 years old said.

Faced with restrictions on in-person observances, some cultural institutions are making their Korean War anniversary exhibitions available online.

The Korean Film Archive is showing five feature-length movies about the war on its YouTube channel and will make several short films available on its video-on-demand service this month, planning official Jeon Min-hwa said, adding the screenings are meant to remind viewers that the conflict is “still ongoing.” A peace treaty to officially end the war has still not been signed.

The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Seoul is using its YouTube channel to display around 250 works of art that depict wartime scenes.

Park Yu-lee, a communications official at the museum, told VOA by email the Korean War has gradually become “defamiliarized” in the public memory.

The effect of the global pandemic on commemorations of the war outbreak anniversary is also being felt far beyond the divided peninsula, some historians said.

Andrew Salmon, author of two books on the Korean War, said the coronavirus has added extra urgency to what is normally a “somber remembrance.”

This year’s observances were meant to be a “last hurrah” for many of the conflict’s foreign veterans, who had planned to travel to South Korea for the occasion, the Seoul-based British writer said, adding that all of these men are now in the “twilight of their lives.”

“This was probably the last anniversary that many of these men would have been able to attend,” Salmon said, “The living history of the war is fading.”

On July 27, 1953, military leaders from North Korea, China and the United Nations Command (UNC) led by the United States – the fighting parties in the three-year Korean war – met at Panmunjom as they agreed to a ceasefire deal.

A military armistice commission was set up to negotiate and implement the terms of the agreement.

When the armistice was signed, many Koreans thought it would be temporary and that there would soon be a permanent peace treaty or reunification of the two Koreas.

But 70 years on, the Korean Peninsula remains a finderbox in the absence of a permanent peace treaty.

Gwadar, Balochistan (Pakistan), 27 July 2023 (APP)

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reiterated the government’s resolve to develop the Gwadar Sea Port as one of the best in the world.

He said the fate of the people of Balochistan especially of Gwadar would be changed through the ongoing development operation in across the province.

Addressing a laptop and cheques’ distribution ceremony here, he said when Nawaz Sharif was elected prime minister for the third time in 2013, he planned and launched multiple projects in power, infrastructure and other sectors in Gwadar.

However, he deplored that when he visited as prime minster last year here, he was shocked to note that, the previous government had abandoned work on all ongoing projects in the city.

He said despite 15 months of challenging time, the coalition government managed to lay foundation of development and prosperity in the country especially in Balochistan.

Balochistan, he said was rich in huge minerals and other natural resources which needed to be explored and the fruits of the development of the area would be given to the local people.

The local people must enjoy all the basic facilities in all sectors including health and education.

He said the draft of the Gwadar port was one the deepest among the world’s top ports, however dredging of the port which was a continuous process to prevent accumulating silt, was not ensured by the previous government.

Now he informed that the current government initiated the dredging process which would be completed by February next year.

He said in five years from 2017 to 2022, only 100,000 tons of goods could arrive here while goods of over 600,000 tons arrived here at the Gwadar Port during the 15 months of the incumbent government.

The prime minister announced that the laptop quota for Balochistan had now been increased to 14% against the 6% population share of the province.

He also directed the relevant authorities to further increase the laptop quota to 18% for next fiscal year.

PM Shehbaz said default risk for Pakistan had been averted due to support from the brotherly countries like China, Saudi Arabia and UAE.

Doha, 27 July 2023

By Ashraf Siddiqui

Ambassador of Peru to Qatar Dr Jose A Benzaquen Perea has emphasised the ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and bolster cooperation in various sectors between Qatar and Peru.

In his address celebrating his country's 202nd Independence Day at a reception hosted by him in Hotel Sheraton Grand Doha, the Peruvian envoy said that November 7, 1989, marked the beginning of the establishment of strong and stable bilateral and multilateral relations between Peru and Qatar, which has witnessed official visits to Peru by the Father Amir HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani in February 2013 and the Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in October 2018.

Dr Perea, a doctorate in Law and Public Sciences with more than 40 years of diplomatic career, underscored that Peru and Qatar are both open economies, committed to enhancing trade and investment between them, while also focusing on improving health care, education and employment opportunities for their populations. The two countries are united in their efforts to combat terrorism and transnational crime and collaborate closely in this regard, he said, adding that they are jointly dedicated to promoting and safeguarding human rights and working together towards environmental protection on a global scale.

The Peruvian envoy also expressed deep appreciation for Qatar’s role as a significant mediator under the leadership of the Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. He commended Qatar’s generous support to countries in need, providing not only financial aid but also acting as a reliable ally in times of crisis, which has earned the country respect and recognition within the international community.

The ambassador also acknowledged the memorable impact of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, fostering friendship and cooperation among countries through the love of football.

On the momentous occasion of the 202nd anniversary of Peru’s independence, Dr Perea expressed joy in celebrating the country’s freedom and enduring friendship with Qatar.

He concluded with a patriotic quote from Peruvian fisherman hero Jose Olaya Balandra, who said, ‘If I had a thousand lives, I would gladly give them all for my country’.

Dr Perea has been serving in Qatar since 2019 and is well versed in English, French and Russian languages. He is a regular contributor to local newspapers in Qatar on diversified topics, including international relations, diplomacy, the COVID-19 pandemic, ‘Challenging moments strengthen Qatari nation’, ‘Presence of cultural Arab in Peru’, among others.

In addition to serving in various positions within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Peru, he has served in missions in Honduras, and various consulates in the US, Soviet Union, Germany and Greece.

Doha, 27 July 2023 (QT)

Ambassador of Peru to Qatar Dr Jose A Benzaquen Perea has emphasised the ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and bolster cooperation in various sectors between Qatar and Peru.

In an exclusive interview with Qatar Tribune, the Peruvian envoy said that November 7, 1989, marked the beginning of the establishment of strong and stable bilateral and multilateral relations between Peru and Qatar, which has witnessed official visits to Peru by the Father Amir HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani in February 2013 and the Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in October 2018.

Dr Perea, a doctorate in Law and Public Sciences with more than 40 years of diplomatic career, underscored that Peru and Qatar are both open economies, committed to enhancing trade and investment between them, while also focusing on improving health care, education and employment opportunities for their populations. The two countries are united in their efforts to combat terrorism and transnational crime and collaborate closely in this regard, he said, adding that they are jointly dedicated to promoting and safeguarding human rights and working together towards environmental protection on a global scale.

The Peruvian envoy also expressed deep appreciation for Qatar’s role as a significant mediator under the leadership of the Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. He commended Qatar’s generous support to countries in need, providing not only financial aid but also acting as a reliable ally in times of crisis, which has earned the country respect and recognition within the international community.

The ambassador also acknowledged the memorable impact of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, fostering friendship and cooperation among countries through the love of football.

On the momentous occasion of the 202nd anniversary of Peru’s independence, Dr Perea expressed joy in celebrating the country’s freedom and enduring friendship with Qatar.

He concluded with a patriotic quote from Peruvian fisherman hero Jose Olaya Balandra, who said, ‘If I had a thousand lives, I would gladly give them all for my country’.

Dr Perea has been serving in Qatar since 2019 and is well versed in English, French and Russian languages. He is a regular contributor to local newspapers in Qatar on diversified topics, including international relations, diplomacy, the COVID-19 pandemic, ‘Challenging moments strengthen Qatari nation’, ‘Presence of cultural Arab in Peru’, among others.

In addition to serving in various positions within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Peru, he has served in missions in Honduras, and various consulates in the US, Soviet Union, Germany and Greece.

Ankara, 26 July 2023 (Anadolu News)

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday received Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in the capital Ankara for talks.

Doha, 26 July 2023 (QT)

By Ashraf Siddiqui

Charge d’Affaires at the Chinese Embassy in Qatar Chen Yue and Chinese Defence Attache Colonel He Botao hosted a reception to commemorate the 96th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

Attendees at the event included diplomats, officials and guests, including HE Yousef Laram, Director of the Asian Affairs Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Brigadier-General Mohammed Mahdi Al Ahbabi, Acting commander of the Qatari Emiri Borders Corps; HE Ambassador Ibrahim Fakhroo, Director of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Naval Commodore Sharjeel Iftikhar, Defence Attache of Pakistan and Dean of Defence Attache Association in Qatar.

Colonel He Botao, China’s First Defence Attache to Qatar, highlighted the strong bilateral relations between China and Qatar. He said that despite the geographical distance, the two countries have had a long history of friendship and exchanges between their people.

He praised the deepening political mutual trust under the leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, which has led to fruitful cooperation in various fields.

Col. Botao also noted the significant progress in military cooperation, especially since the establishment of Defense Attaché Offices in each other’s embassies in 2019, providing a new platform for enhancing military ties.

Outgoing Chinese Defence Attache expressed gratitude for the support and cooperation of Qatari officials during his four year term and vowed to cherish the memories of Qatar and the experiences of his time here.

Regarding the 96th celebrations of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), Col. Botao highlighted its evolution from its founding on August 1, 1927, into a formidable force safeguarding national security and interests. He praised the PLA’s contribution to UN peacekeeping missions, with more than 50,000 peacekeepers deployed in 25 missions, and acknowledged the sacrifices made, with 17 Chinese military personnel losing their lives in these operations.

Chinese Defence Attache underscored China’s commitment to international peacekeeping and its readiness to deploy an 8,000-strong standby force for this purpose. He also highlighted China’s active participation in global security initiatives, including military exchanges, with more than 150 countries and providing international public security goods such as escorting fleets and conducting disaster relief and humanitarian assistance missions worldwide.

Col. Botao shared the remarkable achievements of the Chinese Navy hospital ship Ark Peace, which has provided medical services and conducted relief operations in numerous countries, earning it the honourary title of the ‘Boat of Life and Health’.

He assured that China would continue its support and participation in UN peacekeeping efforts and international security cooperation in the future.

Karamay, Xinjiang, China, 25 July 2023 (Global Times)

The first 'Hello, Silk Road' International Conference on Internet Communication was held on July 23 in Karamay, Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Over 200 guests, including experts and scholars from more than 20 countries, Chinese and foreign journalists, and online influencers gathered together to envision future cooperation between China and countries along the Belt and Road in the field of international communication.

Wang Jianxin, Director, Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Committee in Xinjiang invited Chinese and foreign journalists and online influencers to visit Xinjiang, discover a beautiful Xinjiang and tell stories of people-to-people connectivity along the Silk Road well.

Mederbek Shermetaliev, Head of the Kabar News Agency of Kyrgyzstan, said Central Asian countries enjoy a bright prospect of development thanks to BRI cooperation. The media should extensively convey information about the aims and objectives of building high-level strategic partnerships between China and Central Asian countries to the general public in a way which is easy to understand.

"We need to stay focused and engage in in-depth exchanges to promote cooperation and win-win results," Argentine Ambassador to China Sabino Vaca Narvaja said in a video speech.

Chen Kai, Mayor of Karamay, noted that the city will contribute to the realization of the dream of integration of diverse cultures in the world, the dream of connecting the world and making progress together under the BRI, and the great dream of building a community with a shared future for mankind.

During a roundtable discussion on international communication & value shaping and cultural envoys & common prosperity, the guests shared their views on international communication and other topics.

Zhang Weiwei, Director, China Institute of Fudan University, pointed out that compared to traditional media, the threshold of participating in international communication has been lowered today and thanks to cultural diversity, good stories are told everywhere.

"I hope that one day, all fabricated reports on China and Xinjiang can be forcefully refuted," said Fernando Munoz Bernal, an online influencer from Colombia.

The first 'Hello, Silk Road' International Conference on Internet Communication was co-hosted by the information office of the government of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the government of Karamay and Global Times Online.

The event was supported by the Special Fund for Positive Online Communication of the China Internet Development Foundation.