First foreign tour: China happy Nawaz made Beijing first stop

ISLAMABAD:

Welcoming Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s decision to choose China for his first foreign visit, Chinese Ambassador in Islamabad Sun Weidong on Monday said his country appreciated this decision “which signifies the closeness and warmth which characterises Pak-China relations”.

Addressing a briefing at Chinese Embassy, Sun said the upcoming four-day visit of Pakistani premier, commencing from July 4, would further cement Sino-Pak bilateral ties and enhance economic cooperation. “China considers Pakistan as its reliable friend and wishes to help it cope with its economic crisis,” said the ambassador.

He revealed that besides several other agenda items “energy” would be on top of the list during talks between the premiers of the two friendly nations. The Ambassador said Chinese companies and enterprises were interested in resolving and easing Pakistan’s energy woes by investing in hydro, solar, wind and bio-mass power projects. Both sides are likely to sign several agreements.

“The government and the people of China are looking forward to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s visit, which is likely to lead to a comprehensive cooperation in all fields of interest especially energy, infrastructure, agriculture and people to people contact,” the ambassador said.

Sun Weidong said Nawaz and Chinese leadership were to discuss plans for reinforcing bilateral strategic partnership, enhancing economic cooperation and development of Pakistan-China trade and economic corridor.

“We are confident that the visit will provide further impetus to the existing Pak-China strategic partnership which is also a source of peace, stability and prosperity in the region,” the ambassador added.

Responding to a question regarding Pakistan’s role in fight against terrorism, the ambassador acknowledged Islamabad’s efforts and said the two countries had been carrying out joint efforts to curb terrorism and extremism which were their common enemies.

In reply to a query about Pakistan’s efforts to protect Chinese, the ambassador said: “We appreciate the measures being taken by Pakistan government to safeguard and protect Chinese people and companies in Pakistan.”

Published in The Express Tribune, July 2^nd, 2013.