Gwadar, Puyang declared ‘sister cities’

Information Minister Buledi, Chinese officials ink agreements

QUETTA: Pakistan’s Gwadar and China’s Puyang have been declared sister cities at a high-level forum held in Beijing on Thursday, according to a statement issued by the Government of Balochistan Director General Public Relations.

During the forum on cooperation between Pakistan and China, Balochistan Minister for Information Zahoor Ahmed Buledi and Chinese officials signed separate agreements in this regard, the statement added.

The Pakistani delegation was led by Federal Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination Dr Fehmida Mirza, who was accompanied by Pakistani Ambassador to China Masood Khalid and others, it said.

The Chinese side was led by Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries Vice President Lin Yi.

Speaking as the chief guest on the occasion, Federal Minister Mirza said, “Pakistan highly values its relationship and mutual cooperation with China.”



 

She, on behalf of people of Pakistan, acknowledged and appreciated China’s support to Pakistan in the recent situation (with India) and playing a vital role in de-escalating tensions in South Asia.

The minister also praised the participation of the Chinese contingent in the Pakistan Day parade and spectacular air show presented by Chinese pilots.

“It not only enhanced the prestige of the occasion, but also gave a loud and clear message that the two nations stand shoulder-to-shoulder through thick and thin,” said the minister.

Mirza observed that the last visit of Prime Minister Imran Khan to China had given a new impetus to Pakistan and China friendship and opened up several new avenues of cooperation.

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was a basic pillar of Belt and Road Initiative under which most of the early harvest projects had been completed especially in the fields of infrastructure and energy.