Pakistan sees Belt and Road initiative as tool to overcome terrorism: PM Sharif

BEIJING: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Sunday said that Chinese initiative of One Belt and One Road would take humankind to a higher level of prosperity, peace and stability through connectivity and close contact.

The prime minister, who is on his six-day tour, was speaking at the plenary session of the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation which opened in Beijing.

“Peace and development go hand in hand, nothing can pave the path for peace and security more than economic development achieved through regional collaboration,” said PM Sharif.

The prime minister said that the initiative signifies that geo-economics must take precedence over geo-politics, and that the centre of gravity should shift from conflict to cooperation.

“As One Belt and One Road unfolds across continents, we see it fostering inclusion, creating tolerance, and promoting acceptance of cultural diversity. Pakistan sees it as a powerful tool for overcoming terrorism and extremism,” he added.

The premier further said that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is a core project of One Belt One Road that aims to connect the neighbourhood of East and West Asia.

“CPEC makes Pakistan both a conduit and destination for cross-regional investment and trade,” the prime minister said on the occasion.

He also made it very clear that CPEC is an economic undertaking open to all countries in the region having no geographical boundaries.

“It must not be politicized”, he urged while stating that implementing this Corridor, we are not striving to merely leverage geography for economic prosperity; we are also trying to build a peaceful, connected and caring neighbourhood.

“It is time we transcend our differences, resolve conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy, and leave a legacy of peace for future generations”, he added.