Pakistan wants to extend CPEC to Central Asian routes: Senate chief

The Chairman of Senate Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani said on Friday afternoon that Pakistan wanted to extend the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to Central Asian routes.

In a meeting with Ambassador of Azerbaijan Khazar Farhadov here at the Parliament House, the Senate chief said CPEC offered vast opportunities to the whole region.

“Pakistan wants to extend CPEC project to Central Asian routes. CPEC project allows Central Asian states, including Azerbaijan, to use Gwadar Port to boost trade in the region,” he added.

Sajrani maintained that Pakistan was keen to further strengthen bilateral relations with Azerbaijan by promoting parliamentary and economic ties.

He mentioned that Pakistan and Azerbaijan had opportunities for cooperation in trade, education, energy, health and other fields.

“The members of parliament of both countries could play an important role in bringing the two nations closer,” he remarked.

Bilateral relations, issues of mutual interest and regional situation came under discussion and emphasis was laid on increasing the bilateral trade volume between the two countries.

Chairman of Senate said the launch of direct flights between Pakistan and Azerbaijan was an important development and would boost tourism and people-to-people contact.

Sadiq Sanjrani said Pakistan and Azerbaijan were bound by eternal ties of religion, brotherhood and history.