CPEC to enhance contacts of CARs with other states, says Mamnoon

Holds separate meetings with Kyrgyz dignitary,
deputy PM of Yemen, approves financial assistance
of Rs8.3 million to 40 deserving artists

ISLAMABAD: President Mamnoon Hussain on Tuesday said that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project would enhance contacts of Central Asian Republics with many countries of the world adding that through this project shortest sea route will be available from Gwadar Port to Kyrgyzstan.

Talking to Chycybai A. Tursunbekov, Chairman of the Supreme Council, Kyrgyz Republic, who along with a delegation called on him at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, the president said that Quadrilateral Traffic in Transit Agreement (QTTA) between Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, China and Kazakhstan has given new impetus to our relations, which will further increase trade and economic cooperation.  He underscored that Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan should expand cooperation in the fields of trade, culture, education and undertake regular exchange of parliamentary delegations. He expressed optimism that CASA-1000 project would be completed by 2018. He called for restoration of air link between Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan to enhance people to people contacts. 

Chairman of the Supreme Council Kyrgyz Republic Chycybai A. Tursunbekov said that Kyrgyzstan is keen to benefit from democratic experiences of Pakistan. He said that CPEC is an important project for Kyrgyzstan adding that closest ports for his country are situated in Pakistan. Chycybai A. Tursunbekov said that Kyrgyzstan can cooperate with Pakistan in generation and provision of cheap electricity.

Earlier, the president gave approval for financial assistance of Rs8.3 million to 40 deserving artists while chairing a meeting of the Steering Committee of Federal Government Artists Welfare Fund at the Aiwan-e-Sadr.

On the occasion, renowned industrialist Arif Habib also gave a donation of 5 million rupees for Artists Welfare Fund.

The members of the Steering Committee of Artists Welfare Fund including Attaul Haq Qasmi, Mustafa Qureshi, Muhammad Qawi Khan, Shahid Shafiq, Salman Alvi, Zeba Muhammad Ali, Asghar Nadeem Syed, Akram Dost, Arif Habib, Najeeb Ullah Anjum, and senior government officials also attended the meeting.

Later talking to Abdulmalik Abduljalil Al-Mekhlafi, Deputy Prime Minister/Minister of Foreign Affairs of Yemen, who along with a delegation called on him at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, the President that Muslim countries should work in unison for attaining progress. He said that Pakistan supports the efforts of President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadhi for peace in the country and regards him as the legitimate leader adding that Pakistan will continue to support him.

Mohammed Motahar Alashabi, Ambassador of Yemen to Pakistan, and Acting Foreign Secretary Muhammad Waheedul Hasan were also present on the occasion.