FM Dar, Wang Yi promises deeper cooperation between Pakistan and China in AI, CPEC and trade

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar along with the Pakistani delegation attended the opening ceremony of the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai on Friday, a day after Pakistan became a founding member of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO).

Dar is in China on a two-day visit to participate in the 2026 WAIC and formalize Pakistan’s participation in the newly established organization. Dar would represent Pakistan at engagements focusing on artificial intelligence, new technologies and international cooperation.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (FO), the opening ceremony was addressed by Chinese President Xi Jinping and followed the formal establishment of WAICO through the signing of its founding agreement by member countries, including Pakistan.

The FO said Pakistan joined the organization as a founding member after Dar signed the agreement on Thursday during his visit to Shanghai.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s stance on the development of artificial intelligence, the FO said the country “supports inclusive and equitable global AI governance, wider access to new technologies, capacity building for developing countries and enhanced international cooperation to bridge the digital divide.”

It added that Pakistan believes that “the benefits of artificial intelligence are shared by all”.

The FO said in an earlier statement that Dar met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Shanghai on the sidelines of WAICO held on Thursday, where the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen Pakistan-China strategic partnership and expand cooperation in new technologies.

Dar was accompanied by Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunications Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Adviser to Chief Minister for Artificial Intelligence and Special Initiatives Bilal Bin Saqib, Chairman of Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) Bilal Bin Saqib, Additional Secretary (Asia Pacific) Syed Asad Gillfa’s Chargeirgés in Beijing’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Aizaz Khan.

During the meeting, the two foreign ministers reviewed the broad canvas of bilateral relations between Pakistan and China and expressed satisfaction over the continued strength and steady growth of ties.

The two sides “reaffirmed their joint commitment to further deepen the Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership,” the FO said.

The leaders also emphasized the importance of promoting high-quality development under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) 2.0, and agreed to accelerate practical cooperation across a range of sectors.

“They agreed to strengthen practical cooperation and strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, science and technology, the digital economy and artificial intelligence,” the statement said.

The meeting also focused on recent regional and global developments, with both countries stressing the need for continued engagement on issues of mutual interest.

According to the FO, both sides reaffirmed their determination to maintain close coordination and continue consultations on issues of common interest.

The statement added that “both leaders also reiterated their commitment to continue cooperation in multilateral fora”.

The FO said the meeting further strengthened the strategic cooperation between Pakistan and China and highlighted the shared vision of both countries for innovation-led growth. “It also reflected the two countries’ shared commitment to innovation-driven development and cooperation in new technologies,” the statement added.

According to an earlier statement by the FO, the visit also aims to advance Pakistan’s commitment to inclusive and equitable AI governance, capacity building and international cooperation, while promoting the priorities of developing countries.

In recent years, Pakistan has sought to position itself as a new player in the AI ​​sector, with growing talent and startups driving innovation across healthcare, education and agriculture.

The country approved its national policy on artificial intelligence last year, outlining a roadmap focusing on innovation, public awareness, secure systems and international cooperation. The plan includes an estimated investment of Rs 278 billion ($1 billion) by 2030 and initiatives such as the “AI Seekho 2026” program to train one million people.

Authorities have also launched a sovereign AI cloud and a seed fund, alongside efforts to establish a regulatory framework for ethical and responsible AI use.

Scheduled from July 17 to 20 in Shanghai under the theme “AI Partnership for a Brighter Future,” WAIC is expected to bring together global technology leaders, policy makers and researchers.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to attend the opening ceremony and deliver a keynote speech emphasizing China’s focus on artificial intelligence as a driver of economic growth and global governance.

Organizers say the four-day event will feature over 140 forums and more than 1,400 attendees, with over 1,100 companies showcasing cutting-edge innovations, including hundreds of global debuts.

The conference has emerged as one of the world’s leading platforms for discussions on AI development, governance and industry collaboration, while promoting innovation, talent exchange and startup growth.