Pakistan fully supports CPEC: PM Imran

Premier says Islamabad seeks smooth ties with its neighbours and is working to strengthen them

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday said that the country and its people fully support the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, Radio Pakistan reported.

Speaking at a luncheon, hosted by China-Pakistan Friendship Association and International Cultural Communication Centre in Beijing, he noted that “Pakistan and China cooperation has diversified under the umbrella of the CPEC.”

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“Initially the corridor project focused on road infrastructure and energy projects but now we are taking it towards cooperation in the fields of agriculture and industries,” said PM Imran.

Lauding China’s achievements in poverty alleviation and in the field of science and technology, the premier sought Chinese cooperation in both areas to move forward.

“Pakistan needs Chinese investment not only in the special economic zones to be set up under the CPEC but also the reallocation of certain industries.”

PM Imran said, “CPEC, being a part of the Belt and Road Initiative, has proved to be a blessing for Pakistan as it gave the country an opportunity to catch up with other nations. The mega project has helped not only attract investment from China but also other countries.”

“Relationship between Pakistan and China has got stronger with every passing year. Beijing has always supported Islamabad in tough times and the Pakistani nation acknowledged this fact,” insisted the premier.

Reiterating Pakistan’s will to have good relations with its neighbours, he said, “Pakistan is working for establishing peace and stability in the region to achieve the goal of economic prosperity.”

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“Pakistan supports a peaceful settlement of the Afghan conflict through dialogue. We have decent ties with Iran and we are now working to further strengthen it.”

Regarding relations with India, the premier hoped New Delhi would come to the table of negotiations after the general elections.