From Mahnoor
Makhdoom
BEIJING: Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal said that friendship and strategic partnership with China enjoyed broad political support in Pakistan and acknowledged the International Department of Communist Party of China (IDCPC’s) role in promoting better understanding and deepening relations between the two countries.
In a meeting with the Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC), Liu Jianchao, Ahsan Iqbal specifically appreciated his personal contributions in cementing bilateral ties as a true friend of Pakistan.
The minister admired the role of CPEC in a peaceful rise and economic development in China.
Extending warm felicitations on the successful conclusion of the annual Two Sessions, the minister paid tribute to the vision of President Xi for launching initiatives like Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Global Development Initiative (GDI), Global Security Initiative (GSI) and Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) which were contributing in creating a peaceful and harmonious world. Hailing CPEC as the shining example of BRI cooperation, Minister IDCPC appreciated the Planning Minister’s role in nurturing and developing CPEC in his current and earlier tenures. Both reaffirmed CPEC’s importance as the flagship project of BRI and decided to add further impetus to CPEC cooperation along with marking the completion of one decade as an important milestone. Recalling the successful visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Beijing in November 2022, the two sides agreed to work out modalities of IDCPC support for capacity-building through special training of Pakistani young political leaders and professionals, and experience sharing on CPC governance model for rural development, youth empowerment, poverty alleviation, economic growth, use of technology, enhancement of exports and industrialization.
Ahsan Iqbal also extended an invitation to Minister IDCPC to visit Pakistan to continue the discussions and cooperation for deepening bilateral ties. Menawhile, Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Nong Rong called on Minister of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal here on Wednesday.
Ahsan Iqbal congratulated Nong Rong for being appointed as the AFM and appreciated his contributions to strengthening bilateral ties, advancing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) development and promoting the cultural linkages between the two countries during his tenure as the Chinese ambassador to Pakistan.
The minister also conveyed greetings on the successful conclusion of the “Two Sessions,” an annual parliamentary meeting that gathers delegates from across China to discuss and approve national priorities, wishing the new leadership complete success and expressing confidence that Pakistan- China friendship would touch new heights.
Ahsan Iqbal noted that this year marked the 10th anniversary of China’s massive Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and launching of CPEC, and hoped that the two countries could jointly organize a series of events to mark this milestone.
In this regard, he informed that Pakistan was planning to hold a special summit with the participation of Chinese leadership.
AFM Nong Rong fondly recalled his stay in Pakistan and vowed to continue working for strengthening bilateral relations.
