LAHORE/ISLAMABAD: Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Saturday said the forces creating impediments in executing the CPEC projects were involved in the killing of innocent people through terrorist activities. They were the common enemies of Pakistan and China and both countries would face them jointly, he added.
The remarks came as Shahbaz and the visiting and the visiting Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, discussed matters of mutual interest, CPEC and regional situation during a meeting held at the Prime Minister’s House, Islamabad.
Yi expressed his grief and sorrow over the recent terror incidents in Pakistan and conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. “We stand by Pakistan and its people during this time of agony,” he added.
The foreign minister paid tributes to Pakistan for the sacrifices made to eliminate terrorism and China was working closely with Pakistan for development and peace, adding that CPEC would ensure peace and prosperity in the region.
He said both the countries stood for peace and cooperation and would promote trade and industry. He also praised speedy progress and economic stability in Punjab and the efforts of Shahbaz for good governance.
Shahbaz said terrorists were an enemy of all nations around the world and the common enemy would have to be eliminated through combined efforts at the international level because sustainable development was not possible without rooting out terrorism. The region required sustainable peace for development and progress, he stressed.
“These forces want to stop the development process to sabotage the projects of international significance but the Pakistan Army and other security institutions are alert and those involved in terrorism in Pakistan will be brought to justice,” he vowed.
About the CPEC and OBOR, the chief minister said, “Together, we have to make this initiative of economic corridors successful,” adding that a new era of progress and prosperity had ushered in because of the CPEC projects.
“Becoming a reality, CPEC projects are becoming a part of the road to progress,” he noted and said all institutions in Pakistan were collectively taking the economic corridor forward in the form of a movement.
He said the Belt and Road vision of Chinese President Xi was a vision of peace, development and progress, adding that Pakistan and China enjoyed a similar stance over regional and international affairs.
Shahbaz praised the positive role of China for peace, cooperation and development and said all countries in the region should cooperate for eliminating poverty, unemployment, and economic problems.
He noted that China had stood by Pakistan in difficult times and proven the friendship with Pakistan in a true spirit. Billions of dollars of investment in Pakistan by China was an evidence trust in Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his policies, he noted.
On the occasion, Shahbaz also conveyed the prime minister’s message of best wishes to the Chinese foreign minister.
The chief minister said the Pakistan government had set a precedent for the world by ensuring speedy completion of projects. “International organisations are recognising Pakistan's speedy development and economic stability today,” he said."
"Pakistan's transparent policy is also being appreciated by world organisations," he said.
He said the current government had set a new example in the world by swift completion development projects and international institutions were openly acknowledging speedy progress and sustainable development and transparency in Pakistan.
Shahbaz said the leadership of both Pakistan and China were making joint efforts for world peace, unity and harmony, adding that foreign minister’s visit would further help strengthen regional cooperation and progress.
Later, Shahbaz hosted a dinner in the honour of the visiting dignitary and his delegation. Ambassador of China in Pakistan Sun Weidong, Adviser to the PM on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz and other federal and provincial officials were also present on the occasion.
On the other hand, Sartaj and Yi held delegation-level talks during which a wide range of bilateral and regional were discussed.
Earlier, Shahbaz warmly welcomed Yi at Noor Khan Airbase as he reached Pakistan on a two-day visit.
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