Central Asian countries conditionally agree to join CPEC

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ISLAMABAD, MAY 01 (DNA) – The Central Asian Republics are ready to join the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), however there is a need to provide ample assistance to have clear information about several projects and opportunities offered by the project to invest in, said envoys from the countries.

“For peace, stability, prosperity and development in the region, peace in Afghanistan is essential, which can be established in collaboration with the entire regional countries,” ambassadors of the Central Asian Republics told a seminar titled ‘China-Pakistan Economic Corridor: Opportunities for Central Asian Republics’.

Speaking on the occasion, Barlybay Sadykov, ambassador of Kazakhstan to Pakistan, said CPEC provides ample development opportunities for the entire region to benefit from.

He said Kazakhstan supported the Belt and Road Initiative and its connected projects and is eager to participate in the CPEC as well as other connectivity projects. He also highlighted the deep-rooted relations between Pakistan and Kazakhstan.

Erik Beishembiev, ambassador of Kyrgyz Republic to Pakistan, during his address talked at length about Kyrgyzstan being an important country in the Belt and Road Initiative launched by China.

He highlighted various connectivity projects currently underway which could play an important role in furthering and strengthening the initiative. He also talked about the opportunities that Kyrgyzstan has to offer to Pakistan.

Sherali Jononov, ambassador of Republic of Tajikistan, said that CPEC is a very important project for the regional peace and stability.

There is a strong need for Pakistani students and public to learn more about the countries of the Central Asian region and also advise students to do research and study in order to increase the knowledge as this will help to improve the ties between the states of the region and Pakistan, he said.

The entire world recognizes the sacrifices that Pakistan has made to promote peace and stability for the entire region, he added.

The ambassador was of the opinion that there is a need for a comprehensive plan for the countries of the region to have the clarity and knowledge about the potentials and ways for the investment and collaboration in the CPEC.
Furkat Sidikov, ambassador of Uzbekistan to Pakistan, said that his country has a huge potential to be regional torchbearer of peace and stability.

He was referring to the recent summit on Afghanistan organized by Uzbekistan to promote the regional consensus for a common approach towards the security. Uzbekistan is also interested in CPEC as it will be providing the country and its booming economy an easy access towards the largest market through sea, he said, adding that his country is ready to contribute and support Pakistan in the CPEC projects.