Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar engaged in discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Shanghai on 14 July 2026. The talks centred around strategies to enhance bilateral cooperation in various sectors, notably trade, investment, the digital economy, and artificial intelligence. This meeting occurred on the sidelines of the World Artificial Intelligence Conference, emphasising the significance of collaborative efforts in these rapidly evolving areas.

During their discussions, the two leaders evaluated the broader Pakistan-China relationship. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to fortifying what they termed the “all-weather strategic cooperative partnership.” The dialogues highlighted a mutual interest in advancing their collaborative goals and fostering a stronger alliance.

The focus also extended to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) 2.0, which represents the second phase of an ambitious partnership. The leaders acknowledged the necessity to broaden cooperation in key fields such as trade, investment, science and technology, digital innovations, and artificial intelligence.

Establishment Of World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation

On the preceding day, Dar, who also serves as Pakistan’s deputy prime minister, signed an agreement in Shanghai to establish the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO). This organisation aims to facilitate collaboration between nations on AI advancements. The Pakistan Foreign Office articulated the nation’s eagerness to work closely with fellow members in efforts to bridge the global AI divide. Their goal is to ensure equitable access to artificial intelligence, contributing to developmental progress across nations.

According to reports, twenty-nine countries, including China, Russia, and several Southeast Asian nations, signed the WAICO agreement. China’s state-run Xinhua news agency indicated that this new body is anticipated to function as an independent intergovernmental organisation, headquartered in Shanghai. WAICO is mandated to operate in alignment with the principles of the UN Charter and to promote collaborative consultations aimed at mutual benefits.

Pakistan’s Foreign Office reaffirmed the nation’s dedication to fostering international cooperation in artificial intelligence, especially from the viewpoint of the Global South, thereby underscoring its expanded role in global technological advancement.

Commitment To Global AI Governance

The recent developments in Shanghai reflect Pakistan’s intention to broaden its cooperative efforts with China in emerging sectors, while also reinforcing its engagement in global AI governance through the proposed WAICO. Radio Pakistan has reported that Pakistan supports fair and inclusive governance in AI, advocating wider access to new technologies, and endorsing capacity-building for developing nations.

Pakistan’s commitment includes fostering stronger international cooperation to mitigate the digital divide. The goal is to ensure that the advantages of artificial intelligence are accessible to all countries, particularly those in a developing stage. This perspective indicates Pakistan’s holistic approach to integrating itself within the global AI framework.

This bilateral engagement marks a significant step towards enhancing Pakistan’s role in emerging technologies, particularly in collaboration with China, which has been a key partner in numerous developmental initiatives. The outcome of these discussions could potentially shape future diplomatic and economic relations between the two nations.

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