ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar expressed confidence that Chinese private entities will make investments in second phase of China Pakistan Economic Corridor project, with focus on relocating industries and fostering cooperation in agricultural and mining sectors.

Addressing news conference regarding his recent visit to China here, he said Chinese investment will give impetus to our economic growth.

Describing his talks with Chinese leadership as highly fruitful and constructive, Prime Minister said Pakistan and China have ironclad friendship and all weather strategic partnership.  He said there is desire on both sides to further enhance their engagement and deepen this relationship. He said we have returned home from China with three slogans of consultation, cooperation and coordination and our focus will remain on it to further expand bilateral cooperation. Prime Minister pointed out that twenty agreements were signed during his visit to Beijing. He said it is after long time that such big number of MOUs were signed. He said mechanism has also been worked out to ensure implementation of these agreements as well as signed previously.

He said there is also great potential of cooperation between media of two countries. Responding to question about his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister said Pakistan desires better connectivity in changing geo-strategic environment and it was in this connection that meeting was held.                           

He said foreign relations between countries continue to change, there are times that relations get frailer, but then countries do have to cooperate in changing circumstances.                                                                               

To question whether agreements with China will be continued by next elected government, Anwaarul Haq Kakar said it is state not individuals or politicians who sign them, therefore governments should implement agreements for credibility in international sphere.                                       

Replying to another question about repatriation of illegal nationals including Afghans, he said we only want to regulate movement between Afghanistan and Pakistan so that only individuals with valid documents can move between two countries.                                        

About Palestine, he said Pakistan has already disbursed aid through Rafah corridor via Egypt and we have understanding with Egypt in this regard.      

He said on cessation of hostilities, Pakistan is working in collaboration with all stakeholders and regional and international players.                     

To question about Arshad Sharif murder case, Kakar said he talked to Kenyan President about this and he has expressed sound commitment that Kenyan government will try its best to find culprits and address weaknesses on their part.

Published in The Daily National Courier, October, 24 2023

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