China and Colombia on Wednesday signed a plan for bilateral cooperation in promoting cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative and an agreement on exchange and bilateral cooperation in the field of economic development.
Witnessing the signing of the Plan between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Colombia on Jointly Promoting Construction of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road were Chinese President Xi Jinping and visiting Colombian President Gustavo Petro, after their meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
The plan aims to enhance bilateral practical cooperation in various fields to achieve mutual benefits and a win-win outcome.
Also signed was the Memorandum of Understanding on Exchanges and Cooperation in the Field of Economic Development between the National Development and Reform Commission of the People's Republic of China and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism of the Republic of Colombia.
The MoU is expected to promote policy sharing and experience exchange in the fields of macroeconomics, the Belt and Road Initiative, economic and trade investment, sustainable development, and the digital economy.
China, Colombia sign deals on Belt and Road, economic cooperation
Thousands of people in Pakistan have taken to the streets to stage protests following the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran and the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
A large rally was held outside one of Islamabad's largest Shiite imambargahs on Friday to protest the killing of Khamenei on the first day of the current U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28. Demonstrators are chanting slogans against the U.S. and Israel, holding portraits of the slain Iranian leader and waving flags in solidarity with Iran.
Religious leaders addressing the crowd said the demonstrations are intended to express solidarity and condemn what they described as aggression by Israel and the United States.
Roads surrounding the area have been blocked with shipping containers, while heavy security has been deployed as authorities attempt to control the crowds and prevent the protests from spilling into nearby diplomatic districts.
The killing of Khamenei has sparked demonstrations across Pakistan and in other parts of the Muslim world. Within Pakistan's Shiite community in particular, Iran's leadership is widely viewed as a powerful symbol of resistance in the region.
In several cities nationwide, protests have already turned violent, with clashes between demonstrators and security forces leaving dozens dead and injured. Authorities have since heightened security around foreign missions and other sensitive locations.
Protests erupt in Pakistan over U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran
