CPEC envisions short and easy access to sea for land-locked Central Asian states through Karachi and Gwadar ports, Kazakhstan told
Islamabad: Pakistan has underscored that short and easy access to the sea, to land-locked Central Asian states through Karachi and Gwadar ports was a key component of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)’s vision.
In a meeting with Kazakhstan Chairman Yerlan Koshanov, Mazhilis (Assembly) of Parliament led Parliamentary delegation, at the Parliament House, Speaker Pakistani National Assembly Raja Pervez Ashraf said that Kazakhstan can take full benefit of the CPEC in the years to come.
National Assembly Deputy Speaker Zahid Akram Durrani and Federal Minister Shazia Atta Marri were also present.
Ashraf emphasized on the fact that Pakistan was a key conduit to connect Central Asia with the rest of the world in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
Pakistan, he maintained, aimed to build sustainable and result-oriented engagement with Central Asian Republics through its “Vision Central Asia” Policy.
“Pakistan is keenly working on furthering cooperation with all Central Asian states particularly Kazakhstan on all matters of mutual interest,” he added.
He also expressed gratitude to Yerlan Koshanov who visited Pakistan at his invitation.
He highlighted that this visit would prove pivotal in fastening the pace of cooperation, particularly in the parliamentary arena. Parliament’s active participation from both sides would help in better implementation of ongoing projects and provide legal support to cope with the matters essential to further strengthen fraternal bilateral ties particularly related to trade, tourism, and promotion of people-to-people contacts.
Chairman Yerlan Koshanov while thanking the Speaker expressed condolences over the devastations caused in the country due to recent floods.
He underscored that both countries share historic, religious and cultural ties which were further strengthened through 30 years of diplomatic and parliamentary engagements.
The Chairman highlighted that his country was aware of the trade conduit provided by Pakistan and he was hopeful that his visit and the forthcoming visit of the President of his country to Pakistan would be significant in boosting trade and investment between the two sides.
He also extended an invitation to Speaker National Assembly for an official visit to Kazakhstan as that would further enhance ties between both countries.
Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety and Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) Shazia Atta Marri during the Call on underscored enhancing cooperation in fields of tourism, trade; relaxing visa policies; youth exchanges and furthering women’s participation in decision-making processes.
Yerlan Koshanov fully agreed with the matters discussed during the meeting and assured to play his part in resolving all impending issues for promoting peace and prosperity in both countries.
