UK has no issues with CPEC: Envoy

Celina Ali

Islamabad: British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Jane Marriott, has said that her country had no issues with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Speaking to journalists here, she reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s neutral stance on the CPEC, emphasizing the significance of transparency and equitable distribution of the project’s benefits, particularly for Pakistan’s youth.

Marriott expressed the UK’s support for Pakistan’s development. She remarked: “The UK wants to see Pakistan flourish. If Pakistan considers CPEC projects advantageous, we have no reservations.”

This statement represents the first indirect endorsement of China’s investment initiatives in Pakistan by the UK.

When asked about the United States’ consistent objections to CPEC, Marriott maintained that the UK operates under an independent foreign policy. She explained, “Washington has its own approach, and the UK pursues its own policies.”

The remarks coincide with heightened activity surrounding the second phase of CPEC, including a series of seminars and conferences in Beijing attended by Pakistan’s Minister for Planning, Ahsan Iqbal, and other senior officials.

On the potential for British investment in CPEC, Marriott clarified that while senior UK delegations, including the Foreign Secretary, are slated to visit Pakistan next year to bolster trade and investment ties, there are no immediate plans for British involvement in CPEC projects.

CPEC, a flagship initiative of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, has so far drawn investments exceeding US $25 billion in Pakistan. These investments have fueled the development of energy and infrastructure projects, which, according to Pakistani officials, have created over 200,000 jobs, constructed 1,400 kilometers of roads, and added 8,000 MW of electricity to the national grid.

Marriott also addressed the UK’s role in Afghanistan during her speech. She acknowledged a reduction in the UK’s direct engagement following the fall of Kabul but reiterated the country’s ongoing efforts to promote stability and welfare in Afghanistan.

She noted that while institutional challenges in Afghanistan have hindered British humanitarian operations, UK officials maintain regular contact with the Taliban in Doha. The UK remains committed to providing humanitarian aid to the Afghan people, highlighting that stability in Afghanistan is vital for Pakistan’s security.

Marriott emphasized that the UK has no intention of rejoining the European Union but underlined the importance of maintaining robust relations with the EU to collaboratively tackle global challenges.