Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan says increasing regional cooperation with Iran would be beneficial to both. PHOTO: REUTERS
“CPEC is a win-win cooperation so we are looking forward to explore the possibilities of cooperation with all regional countries,” the ambassador said in an exclusive interview with an Iranian news Agency. Adding that China and Iran share good relations, Weidong said, "We think that Iran can also be a very important country along the Belt and the Road initiative, so we really look forward to enhance our cooperation with Iran."
Iran wishes to be part of CPEC: Rouhani
Upon being asked whether an energy line could be extended from Iran to China, under the CPEC, Weidong said such a possibility could be 'explored'.
“There are 16 major projects that are under construction and the Chinese side has already invested more than $13 billion,” he said during the interview, adding that CPEC has numerous job opportunities for Pakistanis.
Last month, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani expressed his desire to be a part of CPEC during his meeting with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on the sidelines of 71th UNGA session.
China’s security concerns: Jurisdiction issues hold up CPEC force
The Iranian president lauded Islamabad’s vision for translating CPEC into reality and pointed out that connectivity projects were recognised by both countries as vital to the progress of the region. “The two leaders reiterated the complementarity between Gwadar and Chabahar sea ports that could boost regional trade exponentially in the decades ahead,” said a press release of the Pakistan Mission to the UN.
This article originally appeared on IRNA.
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