Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has emphasized the need for deepening trade, connectivity and cultural ties between Xinjiang and neighbouring regions of Pakistan.

He was talking to Deputy Party Secretary of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China and the Party Secretary of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps Li Yifei, who called on him in Urumqi today.

The Prime Minister noted the cultural and historical linkages between Xinjiang and Gilgit-Baltistan and underscored the importance of Xinjiang as the starting point of CPEC.

Commending Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps' strong institutional linkages with Pakistan and its role in peace and development of Xinjiang, the Prime Minister invited XPCC to explore business and investment opportunities in Pakistan in industrial development, tourism, agriculture and minerals and mining sectors.

Appreciating the warm sentiments of the Chinese people for Pakistan, Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar thanked the CPC leadership for its firm support for Pakistan's sovereignty, territorial integrity and economic development.

Recalling his recent meetings with the Chinese leadership in Beijing, the Prime Minster highlighted that Pakistan and China were iron brothers, trusted partners and reliable friends.

Deputy Party Secretary Li Yifei said China regards Pakistan as an important economic partner and would continue its efforts for further deepening trade and connectivity linkages.

He added that the Government of Xinjiang region looks forward to working with Pakistan to facilitate trade, connectivity and people-to-people ties via Khunjerab-Sost border crossing.