CPEC- Pakistan- central Asia- connectivity

COLOMBO: Prime Minister Imran Khan said Tuesday that the project of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) could improve Sri Lanka’s connectivity to the Central Asia states.

He said during a joint press conference. With the Sri Lankans Mahinda Rajapaksa, after holding discussions at one-on-one and the delegation level. “My visit was intended to strengthen bilateral relations [with Sri Lanka], especially about trade and economic, ties through improved connectivity.

The Prime Minister, who is on a two-day visit to Sri Lanka, said that he asked his delegation. To find ways and ways of increasing trade and economic relations between both countries.

Prime Minister Imran Khan and Mahinda Rajapaksa, also held broad talks to reinforce the broad, permanent relationship between both countries. To achieve the mutual goals of South Asian security, stability, and economic development.

Delegation level

Prime Minister Imran Khan and his Sri Lankan counterpart reaffirmed their commitment to work together across a wide variety of areas during the comprehensive consultations held here at the Temple Trees (Prime Minister’s Office). Delegation-level negotiations between the two sides accompanied the one-on-one consultation between the two prime ministers on central Asia- connectivity. They identified the enormous possibilities and huge potential for mutually beneficial cooperation, in the areas of trade and investment. Growth of IT and human capital, agriculture and science and technology. Cooperation in the areas of security and defense, and culture and tourism.

Recognizing Pakistan’s rich Buddhist heritage and the presence of great potential for religious tourism.

experience, training, and capacity building.

The two sides expressed satisfaction with the strong multilateral partnership, between the two countries and agreed to further enhance strategic collaboration and coordination at all levels.

It was also decided that high-level contacts between the two countries would maintain momentum. The two sides acknowledged that the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic was handled reasonably well by both Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Pakistan contribution with central Asia

The value of the ‘Financial Debt Reduction Plan’ by Prime Minister Imran Khan for developed countries to alleviate the detrimental socio-economic impacts of the pandemic was illustrated in the international context. Imran underlined Pakistan’s contribution of central Asia- connectivity to the region’s peace and stability. He also emphasized the need for positive dialogue by both parties to facilitate a diplomatic solution to Afghanistan’s conflict.

The changing emphasis of Pakistan from geo-strategy to geo-economics was highlighted. The three pillars of Pakistan’s vision for economic stability – peace, alliances for prosperity, and connectivity – were highlighted.

conflict resolution

The prime minister stressed the importance of dialogue-based conflict resolution, and the pursuit of the vision of stability, development, and growth in and beyond South Asia. Both sides reiterated their adherence, to the values and goals of the SAARC Charter and agreed on the value of the SAARC regional cooperation mechanism, being taken forward.

Imran expressed profound appreciation and heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister, Mahinda Rajapaksa, for his and his delegation’s warm welcome and generous hospitality.

signing ceremony

He extended Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa a cordial invitation to visit Pakistan at the earliest convenience. The signing ceremony of significant MOUs (memorandums of understanding). On cooperation in the fields of tourism, trade, education, and technology was attended by the two presidents. A banquet organized by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. In honor of Prime Minister Imran Khan, and his delegation followed the conference.