Pakistan’s ‘smart lockdown’ policy to combat COVID-19 is commendable: Ambassador Yao Jing

ISLAMABAD: Outgoing Chinese ambassador Yao Jing praised Prime Minister Imran Khan for further solidifying and deepening Pakistan’s relationship with China.

During his farewell meeting with the premier on Monday, the envoy said PM Imran’s leadership role in strengthening bilateral ties is “greatly valued by the Chinese leaders at the highest level,” an official statement said.

The prime minister lauded efforts of Ambassador Yao in further deepening and strengthening Pakistan-China “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership”.

He conveyed that the people of Pakistan are keenly looking forward to welcoming President Xi Jinping to Islamabad.

Appreciating priorities of Chinese leadership for its people, Premier Imran emphasised that they had played a remarkable role in socio-economic transformation of the country and “there is a lot to learn from Beijing’s example of economic development and poverty alleviation”.

He underlined that during the Yao’s tenure, the multibillion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) had entered the second phase focusing on industrialisation, agriculture and socio-economic development and it would play a key role in promoting regional growth and prosperity.

The Chinese envoy said that the prime minister’s vision and leadership is instrumental in Pakistan’s transformation.

He appreciated that due to PM Imran’s personal focus on poverty alleviation and people-centered approach, the CPEC had entered into its second phase and will deliver substantial and immense benefits not only to people of Pakistan but the entire region.

Pakistan’s policy of “smart lockdown” in containing Covid-19 was internationally recognised and could be followed as a model by others to deal with a possible second wave of coronavirus, Ambassador Yao added.

The envoy also said that he will have very fond memories of Pakistan and would wish to see Pakistan-China relationship further strengthened. He emphasised that China would continue to support Pakistan in pursuit of its national development and objectives.

The prime minister appreciated Ambassador Yao’s overall contribution to the Pakistan-China partnership and wished him well in his future endeavours.

The ambassador served in Islamabad from October 2017 to September 2020. This was his third assignment in Pakistan.