India’s aggressive behaviour is a threat to regional peace: PM Imran Khan
BEIJING (92 News) – Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that India’s aggressive behaviour and the prevailing Hindutva ideology as a threat to regional peace and a cause of lingering instability of region.
He was expressing his views during an exclusive session with the heads and representatives of leading chinese think tanks, universities and Pakistan study centers on Friday.
Kashmir Issue
The prime minister called attention to India’s continued atrocities in the IIOJK and stressed that the world must pay attention to India’s oppression against Kashmiris. He stressed on the importance of further strengthening people-to-people contacts including cultural and academic linkages between think tanks, universities and research institutions of the two countries. He also stressed on the need for greater efforts for joint research and intellectual dialogue to better appreciate the common threats and opportunities facing the two countries.
Pakistan-China relationship
Prime Minister emphasized the importance of Pakistan-China relationship and ensuring regional stability and prosperity. He highlighted China-Pakistan common position on multilateral forums and reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm commitment to One-China Policy and other issues of core interests. The prime minister also thanked China for its unwavering support on Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
Pakistan’s All-Weather Strategic Partnership with China
He also spoke about importance of Pakistan-China ties in ensuring regional stability and prosperity. Reaffirming Pakistan’s All-Weather Strategic Partnership with China, the prime minister highlighted the importance of CPEC as a flagship project of President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative. He emphasized that while Phase-I of CPEC was focused on infrastructure development and connectivity, the next phase will focus on industrialization, cooperation in Information Technology and agricultural transformation.
The prime minister highlighted that Pakistan was offering incentives for investment that are at par with or better than other investment destinations. He underlined that in view of myriad global challenges, the world did not need another Cold War. "Divisions could result in mounting sufferings and prevent common benefits. Pakistan is, therefore, of the belief that the key driver in international politics should be cooperation, rather than confrontation."
He recalled that Pakistan in the past had played a role in building bridges and remained ready to do so again. Referring to Pakistan’s National Security Policy, the prime minister stressed that his government put economic security at its core. "This vision is built upon connectivity and development partnership for which China remains an indispensible partner for Pakistan."
Afghanistan Situation
Discussing the regional dynamics, the prime minister said that he believed that it was in the mutual interest of Pakistan and China to cooperate in ensuring peace and security in Afghanistan. He called on the international community that Afghans are not left alone in this time of need. He underlined the importance of Pakistan and China working with Afghanistan to advance shared objectives of peace, development and connectivity.
The meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Finance Minister Shaukat Fayaz Tarin, Information Minister Ch Fawad Hussain, Planning Minister Asad Umar, Adviser on Commerce Abdul Razzak Dawood, SAPM on CPEC Affairs Khalid Mansoor, National Security Adviser Dr Moeed Yousaf and senior officials.
Lauds Chinese companies for interest to invest in Pakistan
Prime Minister Imran Khan also held a series of meetings with leaders of China’s leading state-owned and private companies.
The executives who met the prime minister included leadership of China Communication Construction Company (CCCC), Huazhong Technology, Zhejiang Seaport Group, Challenge Apparel, Hunan Sunwalk Group, Royal Group, China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), Zhengbang Group and China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC).
The corporate leaders briefed the prime minister on the progress of their on-going projects in Pakistan. They evinced keen interest in expanding investments in Pakistan in projects related to recycling of metals and paper, energy, textile, fibre-optics networks, housing, dairy and water management.
In his remarks, the prime minister appreciated the keen interest of the Chinese companies to invest in Pakistan. Highlighting deepening economic and trade ties between the two countries, he informed the Chinese corporate leaders about steps to create conducive environment for Chinese investment in Pakistan and encouraged them to benefit from business friendly policies for investment in CPEC SEZs. He was accompanied in the meetings by federal ministers, advisors and senior officials.
CCCC is a leading global construction and infrastructure development company; Huazhong Technology, specialises in integrated papermaking equipment; Zhejiang Seaport Group is one of China’s largest port operator; Challenge Fashions is a leading textile company; Hunan Sunwalk’s core business is in communications, 3D printing and construction; Royal Group is China’s largest buffalo milk producer; CRBC focuses in civil engineering and construction projects; Zhengbang Group is Jiangxi Province’s largest agricultural enterprise; and CMEC is one of Chinese top agro-industrial machinery company.
