B＆R Initiative signals hope and spirit of south-south development

By APD writer Muhammad Sohail

**ISLAMABAD, Feb. 26 (APD) ** -- Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif expressed on Monday that Belt and Road Initiative has signalled hope and a spirit of south-south development under the great Chinese agenda of "building a community with a shared future for mankind.”

Addressing a photo exhibition on the occasion of Chinese New Year at the ministry of foreign affairs in Islamabad, Asif said the Belt and Road Initiative is an extraordinary venture, which will change the landscape of the world through its development agenda and win-win cooperation.

The foreign minister said the initiative is a harbinger of shared dreams, common prosperity and win-win cooperation amongst the people of the world.

“The Belt and Road Initiative is the most significant transformative initiative in recent human history,” said Asif, adding that we are observing a great phenomenon “through a focus on the connectivity of infrastructure including roads, rail links, sea routes, ports, connectivity of policy, trade and finance.”

The minister said he is satisfied with the practical implementation of the Initiative in Pakistan because China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is being implemented in the country wonderfully.

“CPEC is making excellent progress and is rapidly transforming the infrastructure and energy landscape of the country, said the minister.

Hoping that CPEC will further strengthen the relations between China and Pakistan, Asif foresees that the New Year will further strengthen the relationship between the two countries.

The minister also wished a Happy New Year to Chinese people and leadership and prayed that it might bring joy, prosperity, and well-being for them and China.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)