-MoFA briefs ASEAN diplomatic Missions on CPEC
By Asghar Ali Mubarak
ISLAMABAD: A delegation led by Mr. Cheng Guoping, External Security Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, met with Foreign Secretary (FS) Sohail Mahmood at the Foreign Office, Friday.
The Foreign Secretary reiterated Pakistan’s strong condemnation of the terrorist attack in Karachi on 26 April 2022. He shared that the law enforcement authorities were thoroughly investigating the attack to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice. The Foreign Secretary added that Pakistan was committed to providing highest level of safety, security and protection to Chinese personnel, projects and institutions in Pakistan.
The Foreign Secretary underlined the high importance attached by Pakistan to its longstanding, multifaceted relationship with China. He underscored that both sides were committed to further strengthening the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership between Pakistan and China, ensuring fast-tracked progress in high-quality development of CPEC, and deepening bilateral exchanges in all areas.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Friday hosted a briefing on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) for resident diplomatic missions of ASEAN member countries. Chaired by the Additional Secretary (Asia-Pacific), the panel of briefers included senior officials of the Ministry, CPEC Authority, and the Board of Investment.
In her briefing, the Additional Secretary shared the underlying vision of CPEC, which was based on Pakistan’s desire for connectivity with the region and interest in deepening linkages with Central Asia, the Middle East, and the East Asian region as envisaged under the Vision East Asia policy. She emphasized that CPEC had added a new dimension in the Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership, which was based on mutual understanding and respect. Pakistan welcomes development partners and enterprises from around the world to strengthen investment and trade linkages and consider opportunities in Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
Thanking the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant Government departments for the briefing, the heads of diplomatic missions underscored abiding mutual interest in enhanced economic cooperation between Pakistan and ASEAN member countries.
