Ishaq Dar and Wang Yi met in Shanghai to deepen Pakistan-China cooperation in trade, investment and artificial intelligence. The talks linked CPEC 2.0 with wider efforts to shape more inclusive global AI governance.
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Shanghai on Friday on ways to deepen bilateral cooperation, with a focus on trade, investment, the digital economy and artificial intelligence.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the World Artificial Intelligence Conference. According to Radio Pakistan, the two leaders reviewed the wider Pakistan-China relationship and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the “all-weather strategic cooperative partnership”.
They also stressed the importance of advancing CPEC 2.0, the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, and expanding cooperation in trade, investment, science and technology, the digital economy and artificial intelligence, the report said. The two sides also exchanged views on recent regional and global developments and reaffirmed their resolve to coordinate on issues of mutual interest.
On Thursday, Dar, who is also Pakistan’s deputy prime minister, signed an agreement in Shanghai to establish the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation, or WAICO. In a statement on X, Pakistan’s Foreign Office said, “Pakistan looks forward to working closely with fellow WAICO member states in efforts to help bridge the global AI divide and to promote equitable access to AI to advance development for all.”
A total of 29 countries, including China, Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Laos and Indonesia, have signed the agreement to establish WAICO. China’s state-run Xinhua news agency reported that the organisation is expected to be an independent intergovernmental body headquartered in Shanghai. It will uphold the purposes of the UN Charter, promote consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit, and follow a people-centred approach.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office said the country has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing international cooperation in artificial intelligence, especially from the perspective of the Global South. Radio Pakistan reported that Pakistan supports inclusive and equitable global AI governance, wider access to emerging technologies, capacity-building for developing countries, and stronger international cooperation to bridge the digital divide and ensure that the benefits of artificial intelligence are shared by all.
The developments in Shanghai underlined Pakistan’s push to expand cooperation with China in emerging sectors, while also backing broader international efforts on artificial intelligence through the proposed new organisation.
With PTI Inputs
