A seven-member delegation led by Ms Lu Xu, Deputy Director General, Consular Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Peoples Republic of China, visited the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) today for an in-depth discussion on Pakistan-China relations and related issues.
Other members of the delegation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs included were: Mr Chen Zhang, Third Secretary, Department of Asian Affairs, Mr Zhou Guangxu, Third Secretary, Consular Department, Mr Xiang Wei, Third Secretary, Department of Asian Affairs, Mr Zhang Shuhao, Third Secretary, Hong Chong Liang, Third Secretary, Department of Asian Affairs, and Ms Guo Jing, Attaché, Department of Asian Affairs.
They exchanged views on bilateral relations between Pakistan and China Economic Corridor and issues in Asia-Pacific. Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman, ISSI, while welcoming the delegation said that both countries’ relations have entered a new phase under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and both countries should further improve more people-people contacts.
Ms Lu Xu mentioned that the ISSI is an important organization in shaping bilateral ties between the two countries. She said our relationship turned to new heights after President Xi Jinping undertook a visit to Pakistan in April. Mr Masood Khan said that economic ties have been expanding after the leadership in both countries took initiative on the CPEC.
Ms Lu Xi said that China avoids confrontation in South China Sea. She also said some improvement has been taking place in relations with Japan as leaders from China and Japan recently met in international fora in Beijing and Jakarta. She said that now we are looking forward when Japanese Prime Minister makes a statement on the eve of 70th anniversary of the end of World War II.
Director General also highlighted negative surveys conducted by some international organizations about the China-Pakistan relations and said we need to focus on surveys conducted by Chinese and Pakistani organizations on both countries’ bilateral relations. Ms Lu Xu said that Pakistan and China also needed to educate people on Gwadar and the CPEC. Ambassador (R) Khalid Mahmood said that the CPEC is a people-centric project and not just driven by commercial and economic needs.
Dr Ahmad R.Malik/17062015
