17 September 2018•Update: 21 September 2018
By Islamuddin Sajid
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan
Pakistani President on Monday termed country’s relations with Turkey as vital for regional peace and development.
In his maiden address to the joint parliamentary session, the newly-elected Arif Alvi said the historical relations between the two Islamic countries are based on culture, religion and heritage.
"Our relations with Turkey are very important because these relations would help to bring development and peace in the whole region," Alvi said.
He vowed that the new government would boost the bilateral relations.
Alvi also underlined the role of official visits in strengthening ties with countries, referring to the recent visits by Turkey, China, U.S. and Iranian foreign ministers.
The president reiterated Pakistan’s desire to establish good relations with all countries, particularly with China, Russia, Afghanistan and Iran.
China-Pakistan Economic Corridor
On the reports of Pakistan’s concern for China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Alvi rejected the speculations, assuring Chinese government for cooperation.
“CPEC is very important for the socio-economic development of Pakistan and it would continue to be the government's top priorities," Alvi said.
On Sept. 9, the Financial Times reported the new Pakistani government is concerned that the $64-billion CPEC project unfairly benefits Beijing.
CPEC, a mega project, signed in 2015, during the jailed former premier Nawaz Sharif government, aims to connect China's strategically important northwestern Xinxiang province to Pakistan’s strategic Gwadar port through a network of roads, railways, and pipelines to transport cargo, oil, and gas.
The economic corridor will not only provide China cheaper access to Africa and the Middle East but will also earn Pakistan billions of dollars for providing transit facilities to the world’s second-largest economy.
On the relations with long-time arch rival India, Alvi said Pakistan desires peaceful relations with India.
The new government would continue its effort for the peaceful solution of Kashmir issue, he added.
In Pakistan, the president is a symbol of federation, the head of state, and commander-in-chief of the armed forces; however, exercises powers upon the recommendations by the prime minister.
According to the country's constitution, the president addresses the joint session of the parliament, the Senate, and National Assembly at the beginning of every parliamentary year to give a direction for national policies to the government.
