CPEC and BRI: Catalysts for regional prosperity, says Ishaq Dar at CICA ministerial meeting

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the CICA’s vision of achieving common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security in Asia.

He expressed the resolve while participating virtually in the 7th Ministerial Meeting of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), hosted by CICA Chair Azerbaijan in virtual format.

The meeting focused on enhancing regional cooperation, promoting peace, and advancing sustainable development in Asia.

The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted CICA’s immense potential in addressing the region’s key challenges including political disputes, conflicts, and endemic poverty that continue to hinder collective progress.

Underlining the importance of dialogue, mutual respect and adherence to international law, Ishaq Dar called for just and inclusive political solutions for long-standing disputes such as Palestine and Jammu and Kashmir.

The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the vital role of connectivity initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in promoting shared growth, facilitating infrastructure development, and enhancing trade and energy links across Asia.

He noted that these projects can serve as catalysts for regional economic cooperation and prosperity.

The Deputy Prime Minister said Pakistan is a founding member of CICA, a multi-national forum aimed at enhancing cooperation and confidence-building among its 28 member states to promote peace, security, stability, and prosperity in Asia.