He appreciated the role of government officials of Kuwait, especially of Nassar Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi for strengthening the bilateral relation. Mr. Mudassir Tipu, DG China Desk, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, threw light on brief history of China-Pakistan relations and CPEC

DNA

ISLAMABAD: Mr. Zahid Latif Khan, chairman AIERD, welcomed the guests by congratulating Nassar Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi and Syed Sajjad Haider for their efforts to resolve the visa issue, which was a matter of concern for many years, while talking at the webinar organized by Asian Institute of Eco-civilization Research and Development (AIERD). He highlighted that there are many areas, where both countries can enhance their bilateral relation. Further, he mentioned that Vision 2035 of Kuwait and CPEC provides an excellent opportunity to open new avenues of cooperation. Ambassador of Pakistan to Kuwait, Syed Sajjad Haider, spoke eloquently on the history of Pakistan Kuwait relations while hoping for greater opportunities in future. He also elaborated on the recent visa development and encouraged both communities to further integrate in terms of business opportunities. He appreciated the role of government officials of Kuwait, especially of Nassar Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi for strengthening the bilateral relation. Mr. Mudassir Tipu, DG China Desk, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, threw light on brief history of China-Pakistan relations and CPEC. He appreciated the work of AIERD and hoped to further enhance Pakistan-Kuwait bilateral relations. He emphasized that both countries should work together to find avenues for inclusion in CPEC.

While addressing the gathering Nassar Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi Ambassador of Kuwait emphasized that Kuwait needs Pakistan as a brother. He also underlined the contributions of skilled labor of Pakistan in Kuwait and appreciated Pakistan’s support during COVID-19. He specifically mentioned the cooperation in the fields of medical and food. He underscored that cooperation under CPEC would be mutually beneficial for both countries. The event concluded with the speech of chief guest, Lt. Gen. Asim Saleem Bajwa, Chairman CPEC Authority who spoke about the progress of CPEC, since the creation of CPEC Authority. He also spoke about the investment opportunities for Kuwait in special economic zones and agricultural sector. He offered Kuwait to be a part of economic zones and discussed the future prospects of Kuwait-Pakistan joint ventures through this historic initiative. He specifically mentioned about the opportunities in fields of agriculture and industrial cooperation. He shared with audience that CPEC route will be a secure and cost-effective route for trade between Kuwait and China. Additionally, the CPEC will reduce the time of travel by 24 days and will save US$ 1457 on each container. He concluded by saying “It is right time to join the hands for corporation.

ISLAMABAD: Chinese Ambassador Mr. Nong Rong called on Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today. During the meeting, views were exchanged on China-Pakistan bilateral relations, CPEC, 70th anniversary of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations and vaccine cooperation between the two countries.

The Foreign Minister underscored that Pakistan and China were iron brothers. He highlighted that, with joint efforts of successive generations and leadership, this relationship had transformed into ‘All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership.’ Both countries needed to further expand this relationship to realize closer China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future in New Era, he added.

The Chinese Ambassador briefed the Foreign Minister about upcoming events to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China. Foreign Minister Qureshi expressed satisfaction that both countries had planned a series of events, spread over the entire year, to celebrate this historic milestone in a befitting manner.

The Foreign Minister appreciated China’s consistent support to Pakistan in its fight against COVID-19. He further underlined that China’s provision of vaccine had been instrumental in saving precious human lives and controlling the pandemic in Pakistan.

Foreign Minister Qureshi maintained that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was a transformational project and it remained the Government’s number one priority. The Foreign Minister maintained that CPEC had a contributed to Pakistan’s national development and stressed that Pakistan remained committed to making CPEC a High-Quality Demonstration Project of BRI.

The Chinese Ambassador underscored that inauguration of Rashakai Special Economic Zone (SEZ) was a major development. He maintained that it would give more confidence to Chinese investors and companies. He emphasized that, during the second phase of CPEC, both sides would jointly work on key areas of industrialization, agricultural cooperation, job creation and socio-economic development. There was agreement on both sides to ensure expeditious completion of CPEC projects.

ISLAMABAD: Chairman Senate Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani has said that Pakistan attaches high importance to its relations with Tajikistan based on strong historic, religious and cultural links and there is a dire need to enhance the trade and economic ties in accordance with a true potential for mutual benefit of the people in both countries.  He expressed these views during a meeting with Emomali Rahmon, President of Tajikistan here on Thursday.  Deputy Chairman Senate Mirza Muhammad Afridi and Ambassador of Pakistan in Tajikistan Imran Haider were also present during the meeting.

Chairman Senate said that the visit of President has further strengthened our bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual interest.  He said that the signing of landmark joint declaration and a number of agreements / MoUs in the areas of art and culture, disaster management and trade and commerce between the two countries is a welcome development.  Sanjrani appreciated the participation of high-level parliamentary delegation of Tajikistan in the 2^nd General Conference of the Parliamentary Assembly of Economic Cooperation Organization (PAECO) in Islamabad.

Chairman Senate also felicitated the President of Tajikistan on the 30^th Anniversary of Tajikistan’s Independence and 30^th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Tajikistan.

Senate Chief said that the two countries are facing a common challenge of COVID-19.  We are actively considering the proposal to send humanitarian assistance to combat COVID-19 to Tajikistan.  There is marked unanimity of views on major international and regional issues and both the countries cooperate closely in the international and regional fora including UN, OIC, ECO and SCO.

He said that both sides must continue to hold high level political dialogues and parliamentary interactions to deepen cooperation and accelerate follow up on various initiatives.  He said that Parliamentary Friendship Groups between Pakistan and Tajikistan present in both Senate and National Assembly of Pakistan as well as in Majlis Mili (Upper House) and Majlis Namoyandgan (Lower House) of Tajikistan will be activated to further enhance parliamentary interactions between two countries.

Chairman Senate said that volume of bilateral trade in not commensurate with its true potential and existing ties.  It needs to be enhanced through diversification and value addition in multiple sectors.  Pakistan remains committed to further deepen and diversify bilateral ties, particularly in the field of energy, trade & connectivity, defense & security, culture and tourism.