Islamabad, 16 May 2024 (TDI): Pakistan and China have agreed to actively and steadily promote third-party participation in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
This development was announced at a joint press stakeout by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday.
The announcement came after the fifth Pakistan-China Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue, co-chaired by Dar and Wang at the Diaoyutai State Guest House in Beijing.
Both sides expressed satisfaction over the steady progress of CPEC and committed to “further upgrade and expand this cooperation.”
Moreover, they also endorsed finalizing the modalities for incorporating third-party participation in this multi-billion dollar project.
Dar highlighted the transformative impact of CPEC on Pakistan’s economic landscape over the past decade, noting significant improvements such as the elimination of power outages and the development of a robust infrastructure network.
He emphasized the need to accelerate key projects, including the Main Line-1 railway line, Gwadar Port development, and the realignment of Phase 2 of the Karakoram Highway.
Additionally, he underscored the importance of boosting cooperation in sectors such as agriculture, mining, minerals, energy, information technology, and industry.
“As we embark on the second phase of CPEC, we look forward to developing corridors of growth, livelihood, innovation, green development, and inclusivity,” Dar stated.
He emphasized the Karakoram Highway as the “linchpin of the China-Pakistan geographical connectivity and an important artery of CPEC,” and announced the implementation of all-weather operations for the Khunjerab-Sust border crossing.
Dar praised China’s steadfast support for Pakistan’s sovereignty, integrity, and right to development, particularly in the context of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
He assured continued Pakistani support for China on its core issues and highlighted the extensive measures taken to protect Chinese interests in Pakistan.
Also Read: Foreign Ministers of China and ROK hold bilateral talks
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized the “comprehensive and in-depth strategic communication” with Pakistan, focusing on bilateral relations, cooperation across various fields, and addressing international and regional issues of mutual concern.
He outlined the vision for an “upgraded version of CPEC” to help Pakistan achieve economic development, technological innovation, and green growth.
Foreign Minister Wang Yi reiterated China’s support for Pakistan’s sovereignty and development path, and its commitment to combating terrorism.
He emphasized strengthening cooperation in industry, agriculture, mining, new energy, and information technology, tailored to local conditions to ensure sustainable development and major connectivity projects.
Both sides agreed to enhance counter-terrorism security cooperation and work together to maintain regional and global peace, stability, and prosperity.
){kind=link}