According to local media, senior officials from Pakistan and China discussed the possibility of extending the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to Afghanistan in order to promote economic development and prosperity in the war-torn country.
According to The Express Tribune, the idea of extending the flagship programme of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) was discussed during a meeting between China’s special envoy on Afghanistan Yue Xiaoyong and Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood at the Foreign Office in Islamabad.
According to an official statement, the two sides discussed the political and security situation in Afghanistan, humanitarian assistance provided by Pakistan and China to Afghanistan, and other issues of mutual interest.
“In the context of regional connectivity, both sides exchanged views on extension of CPEC to Afghanistan to promote economic development and prosperity,” read the statement, Express Tribune reported.
Pakistan’s foreign secretary emphasised the country’s commitment to a peaceful, stable, prosperous, and connected Afghanistan. He emphasised the provision of humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, including Pakistan’s relief efforts in the aftermath of the June 22 earthquake in eastern Afghanistan.
The foreign secretary also emphasised the importance of defrosting Afghanistan’s foreign reserves and facilitating banking operations in order to alleviate the Afghan people’s economic hardships and contribute to the development of a sustainable economy.
The foreign secretary also emphasised the importance of the Afghan side meeting the international community’s expectations in terms of inclusivity, respect for all Afghans’ rights, including girls’ education, and effective counter-terrorism measures.
He emphasised that the international community’s attention should not be diverted from the dire situation in Afghanistan because of events elsewhere.
