ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said that Pakistan has a vital interest in a peaceful, stable, united and prosperous Afghanistan, as it would enable both countries to serve as a bridge connecting Central Asia with the Arabian Sea and beyond.
The foreign minister’s remarks came whilst he was addressing the forum of Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the third Charter organ of the United Nations on its 75th anniversary through video-link.
“There are numerous shovel-ready projects awaiting peace in Afghanistan, such as the TAPI gas pipeline, CASA-1000 electricity grid from Tajikistan and the railway connecting Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan,” Qureshi said.
He further stated that the first phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor was nearly complete whereas the second phase envisaged the creation of several Special Economic Zones, which were open to the participation of third countries.
“Pakistan greatly appreciates the intention of several fraternal and friendly countries, including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Turkey and others, to invest in Pakistan’s economy,” the foreign minister stated.
