Islamabad (TDI): China and Pakistan deliberated on advancing key CEPEC’s projects, including the Karachi-Hyderabad section of Main Line-1 (ML-1) and Karakoram Highway (Thakot-Raikot Section) project, and agreed to accelerate the projects’ timely execution.
The fresh discussions took place as Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, called on the Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, here on Thursday.
Regarding the Gwadar Port and Free Zone, both sides expressed a mutual commitment to ensuring the continued development of Gwadar in a holistic manner.
Highlighting the robust bilateral ties, Minister Ahsan Iqbal appreciated the recent visit of the Chinese Premier to Pakistan, emphasizing the need for concrete mechanisms to ensure smooth and effective implementation of bilateral projects.
“concerned ministries are developing their roadmap/action plan for effective implementation of consensus reached by the leadership of both countries during the recent visit to make CPEC Phase-II successful and to implement recommendations by the Chinese experts,” noted the Minister.
The Minister also stated that the Ministry of Planning is in coordination with the National Development and Reform Commission of China to arrange high-level workshops for bringing together experts from both sides to outline the future direction of CPEC Phase 2.
This initiative aims to define the specific goals and scope of CPEC’s “five corridors” and align them with, “Eight Points Roadmap of BRI”, and “5Es Framework of Pakistan”.
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On the occasion, Ambassador Jiang Zaidong expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s comprehensive engagement and stated” during the visit of the Prime Minister of Pakistan to China in June, 2024, leadership of both countries agreed to promote cooperation in the areas of Politics, international affairs, pragmatic projects and security”.
The ambassador said, Chinese side is ready for collaboration in areas of agriculture, mines & mineral, industrial cooperation on priority basis, reiterated that to further strengthen the security of Chinese personnel and projects in Pakistan.
“The recent visit of Chinese Primer to Pakistan is the continuity of this cooperation,” the Ambassador added.
He said, Pakistan and China share unbreakable iron brother bond. The leaders of both countries are committed to fostering the relationship to new heights.
Both sides reaffirmed that China and Pakistan remain all-weather friends, committed to strengthening their historic partnership through continued collaboration and strategic engagement.
Earlier, Ahsan Iqbal, in his opening remarks, condemned the recent attack on Chinese nationals in Karachi, emphasizing that Pakistan will take all necessary measures to bring the perpetrators to justice.
He assured the ambassador that the safety of Chinese nationals in Pakistan remains a top priority, and Pakistan will continue working closely with China to ensure the security of Chinese citizens, projects, and institutions.
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The meeting was attended by senior officials, including the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, Tariq Fatemi; the Secretaries of Communications, Railways, and Interior; as well as senior officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Planning.
