Pakistan, China to enhance cooperation in defence production

ISLAMABAD: Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Yao Jing called on Federal Minister for Defence Production Ms Zobaida Jalal on Wednesday and discussed various aspects of cooperation in the fields of defence production.

The minister reiterated the need for closer cooperation in all fields including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and emphasised to focus more on development projects in Balochistan.

Ms Jalal said that Balochistan is the top priority in CPEC projects and welcomed the interest of other friendly countries. She acknowledged the support and cooperation by China in various projects of the defence production industry.

Pak-Turk relations to be enhanced

Turkish ambassador Mr Ihsan Mustafa Yurdakul also called on Ms Zobaida Jalal and congratulated her on assumption of the new responsibilities. He said that Pakistan and Turkey have exemplary relations.

The minister welcomed the ambassador and said that the Islamic history and cultural ties between the two countries are part and parcel of the bilateral relations.

The ambassador conveyed the message of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and lauded the statement of Prime Minister Imran Khan in wake of the economic crisis in Turkey which he said is being taken very positively in Turkey.

The minister appreciated the extent of the defence and industrial cooperation between Pakistan and Turkey. She expressed Pakistan’s strong desire to deepen, broaden and strengthen its partnership with Turkey in all fields including defence cooperation.

Referring to the cooperation between Pakistan and Turkey, the minister also invited Turkey to extend cooperation in CPEC projects.

The minister has said that present government is emphasising on governance in Balochistan and reforms will be visible in social sector in the province. She also expressed interest to establish levels of cooperation in social sectors and education apart from defence cooperation..