Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari said that Pakistan and China benefit from long-term strategic relations, which should be further strengthened in the fields of trade, economy, agriculture, people-to-people contact and culture. He said that the two countries should work together to take bilateral relations to new heights.
The President made this comment in an interview with the Chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), Mr. Luo Zhaohui, who invited him and his delegation. The meeting was attended by the Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Mr. Jiang Zaidong, Vice Chairman of the Planning Commission Dr. Jahanzeb Khan and senior Chinese and Pakistani government officials.
Reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the President said that Pakistan considers CPEC very important strategically and is fully committed to the timely completion of all CPEC projects. Emphasizing the importance of Gwadar Port, he said that Gwadar Port will not only improve regional connectivity but will also be efficient in transporting goods to China. He also suggested implementing a joint training project to equip human resources and skills in view of China’s demand for skilled personnel.
Mr. Luo Zhaohui, Chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) reminded the President about CIDCA’s role in Pakistan’s socio-economic development and its contribution in the health and education sectors. He also emphasized the need to develop tourism and agricultural cooperation between the two countries.
The President expressed grief at the tragic terrorist attack on Chinese workers in Bisham and said that he will make every effort to ensure a safe environment for Chinese workers in Pakistan and investors in Pakistan.
The CIDCA chief said that the enemies of the two countries want to harm bilateral relations but can never succeed in their plans.
The President thanked the Chinese government for its support to Pakistan and for playing an important role in Pakistan’s economic development. He also appreciated CIDCA’s contribution in renovating schools in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh, apart from building residential houses for health workers in Sindh and Balochistan.
