Xinjiang-Gwadar Port: China for fast work on economic corridor

Ambassador meets Nisar, appreciates support against East Turkestan Islamic Movement in Xinjiang.

ISLAMABAD: Ambassador of China Sun Weidong has stressed on quickly developing an economic corridor from Xinjiang to Gwadar Port to make Pakistan an economically vibrant state.

“Both friends—China and Pakistan are making plans for setting up a task force for the purpose,” he told Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan on Wednesday, according to an official statement.

Referring to the Chinese premier’s recent visit, the ambassador said that Pakistan was one of the first countries he visited. He also said that the Chinese government expects a visit from the Pakistani prime minister soon.

Ambassador Weidong also expressed the desire to open new areas of corporation between the two countries. He said that Pakistan has always supported China in its crucial issues such as Taiwan, South China Sea, Tibet and Xingjian.

He also admired Pakistani support in both regional and international forums.

Condemning the recent incidents in Quetta, the ambassador said that his government was against any incident that destabilises Pakistan. He highlighted support to Pakistan in economy, infrastructure development, energy, people to people contact and security.

Chaudhry Nisar stressed the need for Chinese collaboration for economic development.

He said the new government’s priorities were development, fighting terrorism and issue of sovereignty which has been threatened by the drone strikes.

He acknowledged that the Gwadar Port would change the strategic and economic importance of the entire region.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 20^th, 2013.