ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Imran Khan Monday said that the people of Pakistan were keenly looking forward to welcoming President Xi Jinping to Pakistan.
These views were expressed by the premier during a farewell call on by China’s outgoing Ambassador Yao Jing here.
During the meeting, Prime Minister lauded efforts of Ambassador Yao in further deepening and strengthening Pakistan-China “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership”.
Appreciating priorities of Chinese leadership for its people, Prime Minister emphasized that the Chinese leadership had played a remarkable role in China’s socio-economic transformation and there was a lot to learn from Beijing’s example of economic development and poverty alleviation.
Prime Minister underlined that during Ambassador’s tenure, CPEC had entered the second phase focusing on industrialisation, agriculture and socio-economic development, saying that CPEC would play a key role in promoting regional economic growth and prosperity.
Ambassador Yao Jing thanked Prime Minister Imran Khan for the leadership role he had played in further solidifying and deepening Pakistan’s relationship with China which was greatly valued by the Chinese leaders at the highest level.
He said that China, Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) had entered into its second phase and it will deliver substantial and immense benefits not only to people of Pakistan but the entire region.
Ambassador Yao underlined that the Prime Minister’s vision and leadership was instrumental in Pakistan’s transformation. He emphasized that with Prime Minister’s personal focus on poverty alleviation and people-centeric approach.
Ambassador Yao stated that Pakistan’s policy of “smart lockdown” in containing COVID-19 was internationally recognised and could be followed as a model by others to deal with a possible second wave of COVID-19.
Ambassador Yao maintained that he will have very fond memories of Pakistan and would wish to see Pakistan-China relationship further strengthened. He emphasised that China would continue to support Pakistan in pursuit of its national development and objectives.
PM Khan appreciated Ambassador Yao Jing’s overall contribution to the Pakistan-China partnership and wished him well in his future endeavors.
Ambassador Yao Jing served in Islamabad from October 2017 to September 2020. This was his third assignment in Pakistan.
