Timely completion of CPEC projects top govt priority

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said that timely completion of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects is among the top priorities of the government.
The foreign minister was chairing a consultative meeting regarding regional security and Pakistan’s priorities here on Thursday.
The minister said peace and stability in Afghanistan is of paramount importance for the region. He said Pakistan has been playing his reconciliatory role in Afghan peace process with utmost sincerity under common obligation and it will continue to do so in future as well.
The meeting also held detailed discussion on coronavirus pandemic challenge, changing situation in the area, and challenges confronting the region as a result of contagion.
The foreign minister emphasized on ensuring complete preparation to face new possible challenges in wake of regional and international situation due to COVID-19. He also stressed upon promoting economic diplomacy to achieve economic goals. He said the world is heading towards a global economic crisis as a result of Coronavirus pandemic, which will have serious consequences for developing nations.
He said, “We have to focus on new opportunities at a time when our remittances and exports are depleting due to corona outbreak.”
Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on National Affairs Moeed Yousaf and other senior officers also attended the meeting.
Separately, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that Pakistan has always condemned terrorism in Afghanistan as its own peace and prosperity are linked with those of the neighbouring country.
He said Pakistan has always played a role for establishing peace in Afghanistan. However, internal unrest in Afghanistan is creating hurdles in the peace agreement.
The foreign minister said India is behind terrorist acts in Afghanistan and it did not provide any support to the Afghan people who were rendered refugees.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said that as part of preparedness to cope with Covid-19 situation and allied challenges, it is a must to promote economic diplomacy in order to meet fiscal targets.
Chairing a consultative meeting to review priorities in the prevailing coronavirus situation here on Thursday, the foreign minister said the world is fast heading towards global financial crisis and the developing world would face its worse implications.
The foreign minister said that the timely completion of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is among the foremost priorities of the incumbent government.
He said considering the vitality of Afghan peace and stability for the whole region, Pakistan has been playing a sincere reconciliatory role to advance Afghan peace process and would continue doing so. – TLTP