ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan was briefed on Wednesday about the status of discussions with China on future cooperation projects.
The briefing was given at a preparatory session organized for PM Khan’s upcoming visit to China from February 3. Mr Khan will meet Chinese leaders for a comprehensive review of all aspects of bilateral relations, besides attending the inaugural session of the Winter Olympics in Beijing.
The session was attended by Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Energy Minister Hammad Azhar, Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry, Planning Minister Asad Umar, Commerce Advisor Abdul Razak Dawood, National Security Advisor Dr Moeed Yusuf, Army Chief General Qamar. Javed Bajwa, Special Assistant on CPEC Khalid Mansoor and other senior officers.
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said Mr Khan was updated on ongoing talks with Chinese officials on “concrete plans to enhance cooperation in the fields of investment, trade, information technology and exports”.
Army Chief holds meeting with PM
Issues of concern to the Chinese authorities, including security and pending IPP payments, were also discussed.
The leaders of the two countries during their exchanges last year emphasized on enhancing cooperation in agriculture, digital economy and people’s livelihood and building health, industrial, trade, digital and green corridors.
The two sides convened a Joint Working Group on Information Technology Industry at the 10th JCC meeting, paving the way for cooperation in this area.
Meanwhile, the Army Chief also met Prime Minister Khan separately.
“Professional matters related to Pakistan Army were discussed during the meeting,” the PMO said.
The meeting was made to look like a face-to-face meeting between PM Khan and General Bajwa. However, the onlookers say that other senior officials were also present on the occasion.
The last time the two publicly met face-to-face was on 26 October, the day Lieutenant General Nadeem Anjum was in. notified As the new Director General of Inter-Services Intelligence after weeks of controversy over the appointment.
However, Mr. Khan and General Bajwa have been meeting at other forums. The two were together at the launch of the National Security Policy on 14 January, and were also at the ISI Headquarters for a briefing on 12 January.
Published in Dawn, January 27, 2022
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