Pak relationship with China not impediment to its relations with others: FO

Pakistan on Thursday said that with a foreign policy being one of friendliness and goodwill towards all the nations, it believed that its relationship with China was not an impediment to its relations with other countries.

“We want close cooperative relation with all others. We desire close cooperative relations with the US. We want to broaden the scope of these relations, particularly in the areas of trade and investment,” Foreign Office Spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri told a weekly news briefing here.

“We have convergence with the U.S. on number of issues, particularly the Afghan Peace Process. Close cooperation between Pakistan and U.S has contributed to the progress achieved in Afghan Peace Process so far,” he said in response to a question.

The Foreign Office Spokesperson in response to another question said he did not agree that Pakistan-U.S. relationship was deteriorating.

“The two sides remain committed to maintain close coordination on all matters of common interest. The two sides also continue to work closely on the Afghan Peace Process,” he maintained.

About the statement of Prime Minister Imran Khan with regard to relations with China, the Foreign Office Spokesperson said Pakistan had close cooperative relations with China, adding, the two countries have an all weather strategic cooperative partnership nurtured over decades.

“The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has taken this relationship to new heights. It has contributed significantly to the development of port, roads and energy infrastructure in Pakistan,” he added.

“CPEC has now entered into second phase with focus on industrial cooperation, trade, agriculture and socio-economic development,” he mentioned.