Pakistan joins new Beijing-backed World AI Cooperation Organisation

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar in Shanghai on Thursday, July 16, where the two diplomats reaffirmed bilateral ties and discussed Islamabad's entry into a new Beijing-backed international artificial intelligence body.

Wang, who also serves as a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, welcomed Dar to the eastern Chinese financial hub, as per Chinese media.

The Pakistani diplomat is visiting China to attend the upcoming World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) and sign an agreement on behalf of his government to establish the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO).

During the bilateral talks, Wang emphasised that Pakistan's decision to join the newly formed international body aligns with its national development. "Pakistan's accession to the WAICO will serve the long-term interests of Pakistan and its people," Wang said.

The Chinese Foreign Minister framed the initiative as part of Beijing’s broader diplomatic outreach to developing nations, noting that China aims to bridge the global technological divide. "China, as a responsible major country, promotes the establishment of the organisation with like-minded countries, aiming at building international consensus, advancing practical cooperation and enhancing capacity building, so that all countries, especially Global South countries, can benefit equally from the development of artificial intelligence," Wang added.

Addressing the broader strategic partnership, Wang called on both nations to "jointly implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries and accelerate the building of a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future."

For his part, Dar praised Beijing's leadership in global technology governance, expressing Islamabad’s enthusiasm for the new venture. He described the establishment of the body as "a great initiative proposed by China," adding that "Pakistan is honoured to be a founding member of the organisation, and looks forward to strengthening cooperation with China in the field of artificial intelligence."

Dar also addressed security concerns, a persistent issue for Chinese investment in Pakistan. He assured his counterpart that "Pakistan stands ready to make all-out efforts to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel, institutions and projects in Pakistan and promote the continuous development of bilateral relations."

By Tamilla Hasanova