Islamabad, September 21, 2024- Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi welcomed a high-level Chinese delegation led by Chen Mingguo, Minister for Political and Legal Affairs, to the Ministry of Interior on Saturday. The two leaders discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation in key areas including counter-terrorism, cross-border coordination, anti-smuggling, and anti-narcotics efforts.
Both sides agreed to hold joint exercises between police and paramilitary forces in Gilgit-Baltistan and Xinjiang, while Gilgit-Baltistan police officers would receive training at the Xinjiang Police Academy. They also committed to taking comprehensive measures to combat terrorism, a shared global threat. A Pakistani delegation, headed by the Federal Secretary of Interior, is scheduled to visit Xinjiang to further strengthen mutual cooperation.
Minister Chen extended an invitation for Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to visit Xinjiang, emphasizing the region’s importance in fostering ties between the two nations. Naqvi, in turn, highlighted Xinjiang’s strategic significance, noting Pakistan’s 600-kilometer border with the region and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) that runs through it. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to eradicating smuggling, particularly of drugs and arms, and underscored the need for enhanced security collaboration.
Naqvi expressed optimism that the upcoming delegation visit to Xinjiang would open new avenues for cooperation. Minister Chen echoed this sentiment, affirming China’s desire to strengthen relations with Pakistan across all sectors. He also emphasized that Xinjiang, having dealt with terrorism for many years, could offer valuable insights to Pakistan in its counter-terrorism efforts.
The meeting underscored the deepening ties between Pakistan and China, particularly with Xinjiang, and highlighted matters of mutual interest.