ISLAMABAD: The China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Monday got a fresh breather as the two countries Monday inked 51 agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to begin practical implementation on the ambitious Silk Route project. Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and President of China Xi Jinpingwitnessed the agreement signing ceremony that included projects related to energy and transport infrastructure, at the conclusion of their delegation and exclusive talks here at the Prime Minister's Office. President Xi Jinping is in Pakistan on a two-day state visit on the invitation of President Mamnoon Hussain, the first by a Chinese President in nine years. At a joint press briefing, the two leaders vowed to elevate their relationship to an "all-weather strategic cooperative partnership" that would give further impetus to their existing multifaceted ties. "Chinese Presidents' visits to Pakistan have always been historic. This visit too is historic. It is a watershed in the history of our relations," Prime Minister Sharif said. Similar views were expressed by the Chinese President Xi, who while speaking of elevating their partnership, assured his country's full support to Pakistan for full membership of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). Prime Minister Sharif appreciated China's support in this regard. The two leaders talked to the press after holding a round of delegation-level talks, and a restricted meeting between them. During the talks the two sides reviewed regional and international developments and agreed on making coordinated efforts for peace and security in the region. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said: "I informed the President that Pakistan desires a peaceful neighborhood to focus on pursuing growth and delivering prosperity to the people. To this end, we want peaceful relations with all our neighbours." Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and President Xi Jinping earlier also unveiled plaques of different projects spread across the country. The dignitaries witnessed the inauguration ceremony live through a video link. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said he along with President Xi Jinping have taken "momentous decisions" that would raise Pakistan-China relations to new heights and "have deep and far reaching impact for our common economic future and peace and stability in the region." He said that both the leaders discussed the full spectrum of their bilateral relations and decided to strengthen them further in the strategic, political, economic and cultural spheres. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said that the two sides have inked 51 agreements and MoUs for projects,that have sound financial and technical backing and were being put on a fast track. President of China Xi Jinping said 30 of these agreements were relatedto the China Pakistan Economic Corridor and highlighted the few that included Gwadar Port, second phase of the Karakoram Highway, Lahore Karachi Motorway project, Orange Line and several energy projects. He said that China was working along with Pakistan to help it achieve its economic development and mentioned the solar power project in Cholistan to help with the livelihood program. The visit of the Chinese President aims at giving a practical shape tothe China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The CPEC initiative was proposed by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang during his visit to Pakistan in 2013 President Jinping Xi and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif noted with satisfaction the excellent progress the two countries have made in expanding the economic dimension of tier ties and mentioned the launch of several projects under the framework of "path-breaking" China PakistanEconomic Corridor. Prime Minister Sharif said the CPEC - linking China's Kashgar with Gwadar - would spur growth of Pakistan's critical sectors of infrastructure, energy and industry. "We are starting a fresh phase in our geo-economic partnership that would create new jobs, start businesses, promote education and professional training, and help eradicate poverty."Both the leaders noted that the corridor would benefit all provinces and areas in Pakistan. The Prime Minister said the CPEC would transform Pakistan into a regional hub and pivot for commerce and investment. He said it would also enable China to create a shorter and cheaper route for trade and investment with South, Central and West Asia; and the Middle East and Africa. "This Corridor will become a symbol for peace and prosperity," he said.
Khairpur Police recover Rs80m imported cloth stolen from hijacked trailer
KHAIRPUR: Khairpur Police have recovered imported cloth worth Rs80 million that was stolen from a trailer hijacked a few days...
