Success of CPEC is non-negotiable for Pakistan, China: NSA Moeed Yusuf

ISLAMABAD:

National Security Adviser (NSA) Moeed Yusuf on Thursday said that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) fits perfectly with “Pakistan’s geo-economic paradigm that is now the vision of the government”.

According to a statement issued from the office of the National Security Adviser, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Nong Rong called upon NSA Yusuf during which both discussed bilateral relations and matters of mutual interest.

NSA Yusuf stated that CPEC was a flagship project and success of which was non-negotiable for both countries.

Pakistan and China had always enjoyed strong and close ties since the establishment of diplomatic relations, he added.

He added that Pakistan and China have come even closer recently and are strategically aligned on the vision of growth and prosperity in the region.

“Pakistan and China are moving in the same direction and synergizing their efforts to achieve the goal of peace and development in the region”, the NSA added.

Ambassador Rong also vowed to continue building on the strong and long-lasting partnership between the two countries.

He appreciated ongoing efforts to constantly improve the Pakistan-China relationship.

On May 24, it was reported that a Chinese foreign ministry’s spokesperson appreciated Prime Minister Imran Khan’s remarks on CPEC, saying Beijing is having discussions with third parties, including Afghanistan, on the extension of the flagship project.

“We have noted the relevant remarks by Prime Minister Imran Khan and we appreciate it,” Zhao Lijian said during his regular briefing while responding to a question on Premier Imran’s remarks about the CPEC.

While chairing a recent high-level huddle, the prime minister had said that the CPEC will bring economic progress not only to Pakistan but to the entire region.

The spokesperson said that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is an open and inclusive international economic cooperation initiative that is dedicated to improve connectivity and achieve common development.

“The CPEC, as pioneering projects of the Belt and Road Initiative, has made important and major progress in infrastructure, energy, ports and industrial parks,” he added.