Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Chinese President Xi Jinping Wednesday said those who oppose the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) or the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor(CPEC) will never succeed.

“Those who oppose Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) or China-Pakistan Economic Corridor(CPEC)shall never succeed as this is an initiative of peace and development not only for China but for the whole region and beyond,” a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) quoted the Chinese president as having said during a meeting with Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa, who is on a two-day official visit to China.

“Pakistan is our time-tested iron friend and Pakistan Army has a pivotal role towards this lasting relationship,” the Chinese president told the COAS. He appreciated professionalism of Pakistan’s armed forces and acknowledged their role towards regional peace and stability. He said that China will continue to support Pakistan as a strategic partner.

General Bajwa thanked the president for his invitation. He also thanked the president for acknowledging professionalism and contributions of Pakistan Army towards regional peace and stability.

The army chief said Pakistan understands the importance of peace and has given a lot of sacrifices in order to achieve it. He said the BRI, with CPEC as its flagship project, is destined to succeed despite all odds, adding that Pakistan Army will ensure security of the CPEC at all costs. “While we work for peace, we need to stay strong to thwart designs of all inimical forces challenging our resolve and we greatly value Chinese support in this regard,” the COAS said

The two sides also discussed regional security environment, challenges and the way forward, according to the ISPR.

Published in Daily Times, September 20^th 2018.