BEIJING: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who is on a six-day visit to China, on Saturday said that Pakistan fully supported China’s giant One Belt, One Road (OBOR) initiative and would work closely with it to contribute for the region’s prosperity.
He expressed these views in a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang here at Peoples Great Hall of China. The meeting focused on intra-regional trade and connectivity as a crucial factor for sustainable development of Asia and beyond.
The two sides discussed progress on China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), – an important part of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s One Belt, One Road vision.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif felicitated his Chinese counterpart for hosting OBOR forum and said that Pakistan fully supported the visionary project.
He mentioned that composition of his delegation to China particularly the presence of four chief ministers was testimony to the broad-based Pak-China friendship.
After the meeting, both heads signed various agreements. The first Memorandum of Understanding related to cooperation within the framework of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st century Maritime Silk Road initiative.
They also signed agreement to upgrade of main railway line track and establishment of Havelian Dry Port.Three agreements were pertaining to economic and technical cooperation worth 3.4 billion Yuan for Gwadar port and East Bay expressway were also signed.
“Pakistan believes China’s strategic policies in the region are for peace and prosperity”, the premier said, adding that Pakistan is grateful to China’s support for the launch CPEC.
Moreover, he said that CPEC presented a great opportunity for strengthening regional economy as Pakistan considers China as the most important friend and fully supports the initiative.
The meeting was attended by Chief Minister Punjab Shehbaz Sharif, Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah, Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pervaiz Khattak, Chief Minister Balochistan Nawab Sanaullah Zehri, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Commerce Minister Khurram Dastagir, Planning Minister Dr Ahsan Iqbal, State Minister for Information Technology Anousha Rehman and PM’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz.
