Daily Times

BEIJING: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday said the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was vital for economical progress and stability in Pakistan, adding that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government is determined to improve the inherited situation.

PM Khan and National People’s Congress Chairman Li Zhanshu organised a meeting where both the leaders stressed on the need to strengthen bilateral ties.

Speaking during the meeting, PM Khan stressed on the need to strengthen mutual cooperation between the two countries. He also thanked the Chinese dignitaries for the warm welcome and hospitality. The premier also said Pakistan must follow the example of China if the country is to eliminate poverty and corruption.

He said mutual cooperation between the all-weather friends was necessary for development and prosperity of both, also emphasising on the significant role of the CPEC in achieving the desired goals. “Establishment of economic zones and industrial development will lead to more employment opportunities for the citizens, which is the government’s priority,” Khan said.

The NPC leader said that China is standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Pakistan and that good ties between the two countries are vital for the region and for all the stakeholders.

Pakistan, China sign 15 agreements in multiple fields

Earlier today, PM Khan and his Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang among other dignitaries met on Saturday as the two countries signed fifteen agreements and Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) for mutual cooperation in diverse fields.

Agreements relating to elimination of poverty in Pakistan, strengthening of mutual cooperation in the field of agriculture, industrial sectors and technical training, cooperation between Islamabad and Beijing police were signed. Moreover, agreements were also signed for cooperation between the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the Chinese Science Academy and between Chinese Academy of Science and Pakistan Metrological Department.

The two countries signed an MoU for cooperation in forestry, earth sciences and transfer of electronics. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Prime Minister Imran Khan and his Chinese counterpart Premier Li Keqiang.

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Finance Minister Asad Umar, Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, Minister for Planning Makhdoom Khusro Bukhtiar, Advisor to Prime Minister on Commerce Abdul Razzak Dawood, Chief Minister of Balochistan Jam Kamal Khan and Pakistan’s Ambassador to China Masood Khalid were also present during the meeting.