Islamabad: Minister for Planning and Development, Ahsan Iqbal, has emphasized the importance of enhancing people-to-people and media ties with China to deepen bilateral relations. Ahsan Iqbal conveyed these sentiments during a meeting with a Chinese delegation led by Mr. Hu Zhaoming, Spokesperson of the International Department of the Communist Party of China. The meeting took place in Islamabad, focusing on various aspects of collaboration and preparation for the upcoming 14th Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) meeting scheduled for July.

According to Radio Pakistan, the meeting between Ahsan Iqbal and the Chinese delegation revolved around exploring new collaborative opportunities in media, arts, and culture. Ahsan Iqbal praised China’s continuous support to Pakistan and highlighted the necessity of nurturing critical thinking and innovation among Pakistani youth, drawing parallels with China’s success in aligning public confidence with national development goals.

The upcoming JCC meeting was identified as a pivotal milestone in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) journey, with preparatory working group sessions underway to ensure smooth proceedings. Discussions during the meeting also included innovative ideas aimed at bridging cultural and information gaps between Pakistan and China.

Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, also attended the meeting and proposed a digital exchange program tailored for journalists and influencers from both countries, especially those with a strong social media presence. The objective is to foster mutual understanding and dispel misconceptions about CPEC through authentic storytelling.

Both nations reiterated their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation through dialogue, creativity, and inclusive public engagement, aiming to enhance mutual understanding and collaboration on various fronts.