Pakistan, China determined to get on with development projects, says Mamnoon

President meets Chinese Executive VP, stresses more bilateral exchanges between two countries

President Mamnoon Hussain on Thursday said Pakistan and China had achieved a consensus on various infrastructure and energy projects, and were determined for their effective implementation and timely completion.

The president expressed these views in a meeting with China’s Executive Vice Premier and Member of Standing Committee of Political Bureau of Communist Party, Zhang Gaoli at the Diaoyutai State Guest House.

The president said forging greater regional connectivity through infrastructure development, energy and transnational trade was the key to prosperity and would bring economic progress in not just Pakistan and China but the entire region.

He stressed the need to promote people-to-people contacts between Pakistan and China through comprehensive bilateral exchanges in all fields as the two countries celebrate 2015 as `Year of Friendly Exchanges’.

President Mamnoon appreciated President Xi’s vision of `One Belt, One Road’ that includes the `Silk Road Economic Belt’ and `Maritime Silk Route’ and welcomed the establishment of the Silk Road Fund.

He congratulated China for establishing the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).

Gaoli thanked President Mamnoon for attending China’s commemorative events marking 70th anniversary of victory in Second World War.

He said in this world full of severe challenges, China was ready to work with Pakistan and other countries to jointly advance peace.

Zhang termed President Mamnoon as a “veteran statesman” who was committed to promoting friendly relations between Pakistan and China.

He said Pakistan was China’s all-weather friend and a cooperative partner as the two countries had a history of sincere friendship and expressed satisfaction that exemplary progress had been made in Sino-Pak relationship.

He said China supports counter-terrorism operation being conducted by Pakistan government for the elimination of terrorists and expressed satisfaction over the measures taken by Pakistan for the protection and safety of Chinese personnel working in Pakistan.

Zhang expressed hope that the agreements reached upon during President Xi’s visit to Pakistan would be implemented for development and prosperity.

He said the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would also help in industrial development which would create big employment opportunities in Pakistan.

He said he was personally monitoring and taking interest in the implementation of projects as a priority and added that this plan would take care of short and long term needs of the two countries.

Zhang said China was determined to take this initiative forward, adding that he was committed to complete the projects within due time.

The President expressed satisfaction that Working Groups on energy, transport, infrastructure and Gwadar had made progress and said Pakistan needed China’s continuous support to fast track these projects.

He extended an invitation to the Executive Vice Premier to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience.