Liu Jinsong expresses China’s deep commitment to well-being, economic growth of Balochistan and Gwadar region
Islamabad: Liu Jinsong, Director-General of the Asian Affairs Department in China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized China’s deep commitment to the well-being and economic growth of Balochistan and the Gwadar region in Pakistan.
He stressed that China’s investments underscore its friendly policy towards Pakistan, which encompasses all of Pakistan’s ethnic groups.
During a meeting with a delegation from Pakistan’s Gwadar region, led by Dr. Abdul Razzaq Sabir, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Gwadar, Liu extended a warm welcome, said an official statement issued here.
He highlighted the significant benefits that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects have brought to various regions, tribes, and social strata in Pakistan. Liu emphasized that the China-Pakistan Friendship and Cooperation exhibit a high degree of inclusiveness and universal benefit.
Liu underlined that the construction of CPEC projects positively impacts every region in Pakistan, emphasizing principles like extensive consultation, joint construction, and shared benefits. He also emphasized the importance of respecting Pakistan’s sovereignty and the wishes of local residents while enhancing grassroots-level cooperation.
China pledged to maintain open communication and cooperation with the Balochistan government, public institutions, think tanks, universities, media, and local communities. Their focus is on comprehensive collaboration in areas such as connectivity, trade, investment, people’s well-being, and education to ensure that the local population experiences the advantages and joy of CPEC’s high-quality development.
Liu emphasized that Chinese nationals in Pakistan should abide by local laws, respect customs, traditions, religions, and cultures, and engage in activities that benefit the local population, including job creation and charitable initiatives.
Over the past decade, substantial infrastructure projects in Gwadar, such as ports, airports, roads, bridges, hospitals, and desalination plants, have been completed and are now operational, directly benefiting the local people.
Liu stressed that security and development must be balanced in China-Pakistan cooperation, with security serving as a prerequisite and guarantee for development. Counter-terrorism efforts should address both immediate issues and underlying causes, with long-term stability achievable through poverty reduction, employment generation, and the elimination of external interference.
Liu expressed hope that Pakistan would prioritize the security of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects, foster consensus, and allocate resources for development. China stands ready to collaborate with Pakistan to eliminate the breeding grounds for terrorism.
He concluded by quoting the famous saying on the Pakistan Monument at Shakarparian Park: “The destiny of a nation is in the hands of every individual, and every individual is a guiding star for their nation.”
He emphasized that Pakistan’s key to development lies in self-confidence, self-improvement, and self-reliance, drawing lessons from China’s successful reform and opening-up experiences.
Dr. Sabir and the delegation lauded China’s development achievements and the strong China-Pakistan relationship.
They expressed admiration for President Xi Jinping’s leadership and the principles of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness in China’s neighborhood diplomacy concept.
They highlighted Pakistan’s deep friendship with China, transcending political party lines and encompassing the entire government and society. Pakistan has been an early supporter of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and over the past decade, CPEC has driven development across various regions, including Balochistan province and the Gwadar region.
The delegation expressed eagerness to further enhance people-to-people exchanges and practical cooperation between China and Pakistan, ensuring the enduring growth of the China-Pakistan friendship across generations.
