Gwadar to benefit both Pakistan, China: PM

Published June 30, 2013
Prime Minister (L) and Chinese premier Li Keqiang (R).—File Photo
Prime Minister (L) and Chinese premier Li Keqiang (R).—File Photo

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has said that friendship with China is and will remain the cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy and it has been a factor for peace and stability in the region.

Speaking to Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong, who called on him at the Prime Minister’s Office on Saturday, Mr Sharif said he was looking forward to his visit to China next week which he hoped would help strengthen bilateral ties.

The premier said he had set up a high-level task force headed by a federal minister to explore avenues for enhancing economic cooperation with China.

He conveyed his deepest condolences to the government and people of China and the bereaved families of those Chinese tourists who had been killed in Gilgit-Baltistan in a recent militant attack. The perpetrators would be brought to justice, he assured the ambassador.

APP adds: Mr Sharif said that Gwadar Port project was the hallmark of Pakistan-China strategic partnership which would bring economic dividends for both countries.

He expressed satisfaction that Pakistan’s and China’s shared vision of establishing a ‘long-term economic corridor’ was moving forward.

He said Pakistan was committed to taking bilateral relations with China to higher levels and it greatly valued China’s economic support and cooperation.

Opinion

Editorial

Counterterrorism plan
Updated 23 Nov, 2024

Counterterrorism plan

Lacunae in our counterterrorism efforts need to be plugged quickly.
Bullish stock market
23 Nov, 2024

Bullish stock market

NORMALLY, stock markets rise gradually. In recent months, however, Pakistan’s stock market has soared to one ...
Political misstep
23 Nov, 2024

Political misstep

FORMER first lady Bushra Bibi’s video address to PTI followers has triggered a firestorm. Her assertion implying...
Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

An audit of polio funds at federal and provincial levels is sorely needed, with obstacles hindering eradication efforts targeted.
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...