ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has said that both Pakistan and China are working for the prosperity of the people of the region through joint economic and development efforts.
“Pakistan shares the Chinese vision of regional and global economic integration through strengthening connectivity, and that is the reason Pakistan is among the early partners in the One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative,” the prime minister emphasized while talking a delegation of National Energy Administration (NEA) of China led by its Chairman Nur Bekri at PM House in Islamabad on Tuesday.
The delegation also included DG Department of Electric Power Huang Xuenong, DG Department of Oil & Gas Liu Deshun, DG Department of International Cooperation Gun Jun, Director Department of General Affairs Wu Ruipeng, and Deputy Director Department of International Cooperation, NEA Suo Yunpeng.
The Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Sun Weidong was also present during the meeting.
While welcoming the Chairman and his delegation, the prime minister said that the exemplary relations between Pakistan and China are based on mutual respect and trust and that Pakistan wishes to explore all existing opportunities to further cement these relations.
“Your visit will provide yet another opportunity to strengthen the existing warm and friendly relations between our two countries,” the prime minister said.
The prime minister said that Pakistan is fully committed to the timely and effective implementation of all projects under China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which is a major and one of the most important components of the initiative. He extended his gratitude to the Chinese ministries and institutions for their support in making CPEC a reality and an example for the world to follow.
While acknowledging the support of NEA, the prime minister said that completion of the energy projects on fast track basis will help the government of Pakistan in overcoming the energy crisis.
The prime minister emphasized that the present government is committed to the efforts of improved regional connectivity and is extending its full cooperation for the early execution of the projects in the most effective manner.
Nawaz Sharif invited National Energy Administration China to expand and diversify its investment in the power sector of Pakistan by participating in the process of setting up transmission lines and local coal generation projects.
In addition, the prime minister felicitated the NEA Chairman Chairman Nur Bekri on being chosen for the conferment of Hilal-i-Pakistan award by the President Islamic Republic of Pakistan for his meritorious services in the energy sector of Pakistan. The award will be formally bestowed in the investiture ceremony to be held at Aiwa-i-Sadr.
The prime minister said that the completion of Sahiwal Coal-based Power Plant in record time will greatly help the government of Pakistan in resolving the power shortages from the country.
“We are happy that our pledge with the people of Pakistan to end power shortages is being honored,” he said.
The Chairman National Energy Administration of China Nur Bekri thanked the prime minister for the warm welcome extended to the visiting delegation in Pakistan. Nur Bekri said that National Energy Administration of China is rigorously executing energy projects in Pakistan.
While appreciating the development vision of the present government in Pakistan, Nur Bekri said that National Energy Administration is committed to complete the on-going energy projects in Pakistan within stipulated time lines.
The meeting was also attended by Minister for Water & Power Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and other senior officials.
