Ongoing second phase of CPEC would reinforce Pakistan’s efforts for the economic development: PM Imran Khan
Commends leadership role of Saudi Arabia to advance OIC into a vital platform for Islamic world’s causes
ISLAMABAD ( Web News )
The Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi called on Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday. The State Councilor is currently in Pakistan to attend the 48th Session of Council of Foreign Ministers Meeting of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC-CFM).
Prime Minister Imran Khan warmly welcomed State Councilor Wang Yi to Pakistan, and conveyed his heartfelt condolences on the loss of precious lives in a crash of China Eastern flight on Monday.
The State Councilor conveyed the most cordial greetings of President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang and reaffirmed the centrality of Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership.
The Prime Minister and State Councilor Wang discussed the current trajectory of bilateral ties, and the evolving regional and international scenario. The Prime Minister fondly recalled his recent visit to China for the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics and his meetings with the Chinese leadership.
The Prime Minister said the ongoing second phase of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would reinforce Pakistan’s efforts for the economic development with enhanced cooperation in areas such as industrial development, agriculture and IT. He also welcomed Chinese investors to benefit from attractive opportunities in Pakistan.
The two sides discussed the situation in Ukraine and reiterated the imperative need for immediate cessation of hostilities and continued efforts for a solution through sustained dialogue and diplomacy.
The Prime Minister also emphasized that Pakistan and China must continue deeper engagement to promote peace and stability in Afghanistan and avert the humanitarian crisis there.
Meanwhile the Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Prince Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud, called on Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday.
The Prime Minister conveyed cordial greetings for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The Prime Minister underscored the special significance of the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relationship, which is based on close fraternal ties, historic links, and support at the gross-roots level.
Recalling his visit to Saudi Arabia in October 2021, the Prime Minister took stock of the latest developments and stressed the importance of exploring new avenues of cooperation to further deepen bilateral relations in diverse fields.
The Prime Minister commended the leadership role of the Kingdom to advance the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) into a vital platform for Islamic world’s causes. Recalling the issues faced by the Islamic world, the Prime Minister stressed the need for enhanced cooperation for addressing the myriad of challenges confronting the Ummah.
Highlighting the contemporary challenge of Islamophobia affecting Muslims around the world, the Prime Minister underscored the importance of collective action by OIC Member States for dealing with this pernicious phenomenon.
Views were also exchanged on various regional and international issues. The situation in Afghanistan and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) came under discussion. The Prime Minister thanked him for Kingdom’s steadfast support for the just cause of Jammu and Kashmir.
Prince Farhan congratulated the Prime Minister on the successful holding of the 48th Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in Islamabad.