Time-tested ties: Chinese delegation stresses importance of CPEC

Meets ISSI Director-General Masood Khan

A Chinese delegation visiting Islamabad has stressed the importance of implementation of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

A delegation of the Communist Party of China (CPC) led by An Yuejun, deputy director-general of the International Department of the party, called on Masood Khan, director-general of the Islamabad-based think-tank, the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) here on Tuesday, said a press release.

He was accompanied by Zhao Lijin, deputy chief of mission of the Chinese Embassy.

An Yuejun said that the CPC strongly supports an all-weather and time-tested Pakistan-China friendship.

“Pakistan and China are iron brothers,” he said.

The party, over the years, has maintained relations and dialogue with all the political parties of Pakistan.

Yuejun emphasised the importance of the implementation of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), especially the completion of Gwadar Port, and the energy and infrastructure projects.

He underlined that the CPEC was an important component of the One Belt-One Road (OBOR) initiative.

Yuejun welcomed Pakistan’s entry into the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and underlined that the CPC would continue to work for peace, security, stability and prosperity in the region, as it celebrates its 95th anniversary.

Khan who had served as Pakistan’s ambassador to China, emphasised that Pakistan government, all state institutions, political parties and forces, supported strong ties with China, a trusted friend and an ally.

He thanked China for its consistent support to Pakistan for its entry in the SCO, and its principled stance on entry of new members into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

“Pakistan is beholden to China for its rules-based stand on nuclear non-proliferation. If an objective criterion is applied, Pakistan and India should enter into the NSG simultaneously,” the former ambassador said.

He said that Pakistan would ensure timely implementation and completion of early harvest projects under the CPEC.

In this regard, the federation and provinces would work closely.

“The CPEC has the support of the entire political spectrum of Pakistan,” Khan said, adding that Pakistan would not countenance any attempts by third parties to undermine this mega-project, which is a game changer for Pakistan, China and the region,” Khan said.

Yuejun expressed satisfaction over the general progress in regard to projects under the CPEC.

The Chinese delegation also included KE Hua, vice-president, China Executive Leadership Academy, Ni Hong, director Government of Yunnan Province, Liu Yong, director IDPC and Wang Yumei, third secretary CPC International Department.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 6^th, 2016.