China calls CPEC key to regional connectivity
Afghan envoy supports expansion of project into his country
PHOTO: REUTERS
ISLAMABAD:
Chinese ambassador to Pakistan Yao Jing has reiterated that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project is not against any one country but will serve as a key to enhancing peace and cooperation in the region.
He made these remarks while delivering a keynote address at the Fourth Trilateral Dialogue hosted by the Pakistan-China Institute in Islamabad on Monday. The conference hosted Pakistan, China and Afghanistan under the theme of economic, cultural connectivity in the light of CPEC.
“CPEC will prove to be a major breakthrough in trade and communication between the three regional countries,” said Yao, adding that China – along with Pakistan and Afghanistan – was striving for regional peace and harmony.
The discussion, meanwhile, was opened by Chairman PCI Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed who addressed the audience saying, “The 21st century is the Asian Century, with a decline of the West. The Greater South Asia has emerged as a geo-economic concept, driven by economy and energy, roads and railways, and ports and pipeline.”
He added CPEC is not just about Pakistan and China but about regional connectivity, and Afghanistan is a natural partner in CPEC’s expansion.
“Our focus should be culture, corridors and connectivity rather than conflict and confrontation,” he said, adding, “Pakistan is the hub of this connectivity due to CPEC.”
The conference was also attended by Ambassador of Afghanistan to Pakistan Omar Zakhilwal who discussed the lack of understanding in terms of development, saying that major bilateral and multilateral relations between the countries are based on security rather than economic development.
“Being an economist by profession, I believe there must be a line drawn between economics and politics in order for all partners to integrate in regional connectivity,” he said, assuring, “Afghanistan supports CPEC and its expansion into Afghanistan as it will further develop the country internally as well as strengthen global relations.”
The Chinese ambassador also assured that Beijing would continue playing its part in facilitating Afghan peace. “Afghanistan has a geographical importance as it is a bridge that connects East Asia with West Asia,” he added.
Concluding the dialogue, Executive Director PCI Mustafa Hyder Sayed said, “Common thread from today’s dialogue is that we need to connect culturally, enhance trade and engage in a constructive dialogue. We need to go beyond the prism of proxies and geopolitics and participate in connectivity and regional cooperation.”
The trilateral dialogue was inclusive of three detailed panel discussions – BRI, CPEC and potential for cooperation between Afghanistan and Pakistan. The panel comprised high-profile speakers, including Afghan Member of Parliament Mirwais Yasini, Chief Economist of China Centre for International Economic Exchanges (CCIEE) Dr Chen Wenling, former senator Afrasiab Khattak, Ex-DG ISI Lt Gen (retd) Asad Durrani, senior journalist Murtaza Solangi and former governor of Afghanistan’s Lughman province Iqbal Azizi.
Chinese ambassador to Pakistan Yao Jing has reiterated that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project is not against any one country but will serve as a key to enhancing peace and cooperation in the region.
He made these remarks while delivering a keynote address at the Fourth Trilateral Dialogue hosted by the Pakistan-China Institute in Islamabad on Monday. The conference hosted Pakistan, China and Afghanistan under the theme of economic, cultural connectivity in the light of CPEC.
“CPEC will prove to be a major breakthrough in trade and communication between the three regional countries,” said Yao, adding that China – along with Pakistan and Afghanistan – was striving for regional peace and harmony.
The discussion, meanwhile, was opened by Chairman PCI Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed who addressed the audience saying, “The 21st century is the Asian Century, with a decline of the West. The Greater South Asia has emerged as a geo-economic concept, driven by economy and energy, roads and railways, and ports and pipeline.”
He added CPEC is not just about Pakistan and China but about regional connectivity, and Afghanistan is a natural partner in CPEC’s expansion.
“Our focus should be culture, corridors and connectivity rather than conflict and confrontation,” he said, adding, “Pakistan is the hub of this connectivity due to CPEC.”
The conference was also attended by Ambassador of Afghanistan to Pakistan Omar Zakhilwal who discussed the lack of understanding in terms of development, saying that major bilateral and multilateral relations between the countries are based on security rather than economic development.
“Being an economist by profession, I believe there must be a line drawn between economics and politics in order for all partners to integrate in regional connectivity,” he said, assuring, “Afghanistan supports CPEC and its expansion into Afghanistan as it will further develop the country internally as well as strengthen global relations.”
The Chinese ambassador also assured that Beijing would continue playing its part in facilitating Afghan peace. “Afghanistan has a geographical importance as it is a bridge that connects East Asia with West Asia,” he added.
Concluding the dialogue, Executive Director PCI Mustafa Hyder Sayed said, “Common thread from today’s dialogue is that we need to connect culturally, enhance trade and engage in a constructive dialogue. We need to go beyond the prism of proxies and geopolitics and participate in connectivity and regional cooperation.”
The trilateral dialogue was inclusive of three detailed panel discussions – BRI, CPEC and potential for cooperation between Afghanistan and Pakistan. The panel comprised high-profile speakers, including Afghan Member of Parliament Mirwais Yasini, Chief Economist of China Centre for International Economic Exchanges (CCIEE) Dr Chen Wenling, former senator Afrasiab Khattak, Ex-DG ISI Lt Gen (retd) Asad Durrani, senior journalist Murtaza Solangi and former governor of Afghanistan’s Lughman province Iqbal Azizi.