THE Chinese Ambassador-designate to Pakistan, Nong Rong, has arrived in Pakistan and already started meeting with relevant senior Government officials. He paid a courtesy call on Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood, who warmly greeted him to Pakistan, reiterating strong commitment to Pakistan-China “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership” and hoping projects under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would be fast-tracked during tenure of the new Ambassador.
There is every reason to believe that Pakistan-China relationship would scale new heights during the term of Nong Rong, who has, in a statement, described his arrival in Pakistan as coming to the house of his brother. The statement issued by him is fully reflective of the vision and firm determination of the Ambassador to work hard to strengthen all aspects of bilateral relations to the mutual advantage of the two countries. His clarity of thoughts in this regard is evident from his assertion that both sides should earnestly implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, strengthen the exchanges of experience in governance, bring synergy in the development strategy, continue to support each other on issues involving the core interests and major concerns of both sides, and firmly safeguard national sovereignty, territorial integrity and national dignity. CPEC has now become a dominant symbol of friendship and cooperation and with this in view it is satisfying that the new Ambassador is committed to the high quality construction of the CPEC, focusing more on the cooperation in industrial development, agriculture, science and technology, information and livelihood-related sectors, so that the dividends of the CPEC can benefit more people of both countries. Fast-track implementation of the CPEC projects is deeply linked to the goal of bringing about a fundamental change in the socio-economic lives of the people and, therefore, we would urge leadership of Pakistan and relevant ministries to demonstrate the same level of commitment and spirit in completion of all developmental projects under CPEC. The views expressed by Mr. Nong Rong are reflective of the overall policies of China towards Pakistan and also towards other countries of the globe, which are based on shared interests, respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty of all countries and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs. The world can become a better place to live in if other powerful countries too follow these principles in the conduct of international relations.
