CM, Chinese team discuss CPEC

LAHORE
A delegation of working groups led by special representative of Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Liu Guangyan called on Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, here Friday.
Matters of mutual interest, promotion of bilateral relations and projects under China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) were discussed on the occasion. It was also decided in the meeting to ensure speedy implementation of CPEC projects. Ambassador Liu Guangyan also conveyed a special message of Chinese Prime Minister and Foreign Minister to the Punjab Chief Minister.
Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister said that Chinese investment in Pakistan under China Pakistan Economic Corridor was a great gift. He said that work had been started expeditiously on the projects under CPEC in Punjab and other cities of Pakistan. He said that he was personally monitoring the progress on CPEC projects. He said that a conducive and safe atmosphere had been provided to Chinese investors and the Punjab government had taken special measures in this regard. He said that CPEC projects were a milestone in the stability of economy and provision of job opportunities to the masses. He said that CPEC projects were a game changer in removing the shortage of electricity.
Referring to the challenge of terrorism being faced by the country, Shahbaz Sharif said that war against terrorism was for the survival of Pakistan and the whole nation was determined to root out the menace of terrorism. He said that more than 50,000 Pakistanis had been martyred in the war against terrorism. He said that officers and jawans of Pakistan Army, police and people from all walks of life had rendered unprecedented sacrifices in this war. He said that Pakistani nation was determined to root out terrorism and extremism at any cost. He said that the Punjab government had set up a special counter-terrorism force and it had been trained in a highly professional manner. He said that the goal of progress and prosperity of the country could not be realised without defeating terrorism. He said that the elimination of this menace was necessary for the promotion of investment, provision of educational and health facilities, job opportunities and completion of economic projects.
Expressing views on this occasion, head of the delegation Ambassador Liu Guangyan said that Chinese Prime Minister acknowledged untiring efforts and extraordinary abilities of Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and called him a man of action. He said that Chinese Foreign Minister had also sent a message of good wishes for Shahbaz Sharif and wanted to see him at the earliest. Liu Guangyan said that the chief minister had taken effective steps for providing safe and conducive atmosphere to Chinese investors in the province.
Korean envoy: Korean Ambassador Song Jong-hwan called on Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, here Friday. Matters of mutual interest, bilateral relations and promotion of cooperation in energy, infrastructure, transport and other sectors were discussed in the meeting. The Korean Ambassador offered to extend the all-out assistance and cooperation in energy sector and it was agreed in the meeting to promote economic and trade relations between Pakistan and Korea.
The Korean Ambassador also expressed grief over the loss of precious human lives in worst earthquake in Pakistan and said that the Korean government and people were standing by Pakistan in this moment of trial.