The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) fits perfectly with “Pakistan’s geo-economic paradigm that is now the vision of the government”, a top official said.

Describing CPEC as a flagship project, Pakistan National Security Adviser (NSA) Moeed Yusuf said the project’s success "was non-negotiable" for both countries.

According to a statement issued from the NSA's office, he met Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Nong Rong and discussed bilateral relations and matters of mutual interest, Tribune reported.

Pakistan and China had always enjoyed strong and close ties since the establishment of diplomatic relations, he said, adding the two nations have come closer recently, and are strategically aligned on the vision of growth and prosperity in the region.

“Pakistan and China are moving in the same direction and synergizing their efforts to achieve the goal of peace and development in the region”, the NSA said.

Ambassador Rong vowed to continue building on the strong and long-lasting partnership between the two countries and appreciated ongoing efforts to constantly improve the Pakistan-China relationship.

Earlier this week, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson appreciated Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan’s remarks on CPEC, saying Beijing is having discussions with third parties, including Afghanistan, on the extension of the flagship project.

“We have noted the relevant remarks by Prime Minister Imran Khan and we appreciate it,” Zhao Lijian said during his regular briefing while responding to a question on the premier’s remarks about the CPEC.

While chairing a recent high-level huddle, the prime minister had said that the CPEC will bring economic progress not only to Pakistan but the entire region.

The spokesperson said the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is an open and inclusive international economic cooperation endeavor that is dedicated to improve connectivity and achieve common development.

“The CPEC, as pioneering projects of the Belt and Road Initiative, has made important and major progress in infrastructure, energy, ports and industrial parks,” he said.

CPEC is a collection of infrastructure projects that are under construction throughout Pakistan since 2013. Originally valued at USD 47 billion, the projects were estimated to be worth USD 62 billion as of 2020.

(SAM)