ISLAMABAD: Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has stated that his country enjoys strong relations with both China and the United States, and that he hopes to play the same “instrumental role” that brought the two countries closer in the 1970s.
“With the United States, we have a fantastic connection, and with China, we have an iron-brother friendship.” In an exclusive interview with CGTN’s The Point’s Liu Xin, he added, “We want to play the role of 1970, when Pakistan was essential in bringing the United States and China closer.”
The prime minister was referring to the historic breakthrough in Sino-American relations in 1971, which was made possible by Pakistan’s vital role, which was backed by both countries’ trust.
“Pakistan organised Henry Kissinger’s [US State Secretary] renowned visit, and we intend to play that [similar] role,” he said.
In response to a query on whether Pakistan would face challenges as a result of escalating tensions between China and the United States, he stated that the world did not require another Cold War between the two powers.
“The world should not be divided into two camps,” he added, adding that it benefits no one. “I hope this doesn’t turn into another Cold War in which we have to pick sides.”
Imran stated that the uplift of Pakistan’s 220 million people was his top objective, which was also tied to peace and stability.
“If we have economic well-being, which comes with stability and peace, I will get my people out of poverty,” he stated. “So, if there are conflicts, the economy is the first thing to suffer, and that is the last thing we want.”
He stated that no other country had endured for 40 years as a result of the Afghan War, and that for the first time, there was a chance to bring peace to the war-torn country.
As Afghanistan faced a humanitarian crisis as a result of the suspension of foreign aid, he said Pakistan, China, and other European countries agreed that “likes and dislikes of the Taliban government should be set aside and the only thing on minds should be the 40 million people of Afghanistan – half of whom are in a very precarious position of food insecurity.”
When asked about the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which has brought over $25 billion in direct investment and created over 200,000 jobs in the last eight years, he said the initiative was important for Pakistan’s economy and growth.
Imran Khan stated that China’s investment in connectivity and electricity generation came at a critical time in Pakistan’s economic recovery following the war on terrorism.
He stated that Pakistan has suffered greatly in the fight against terrorism, with around 80,000 deaths and a loss of over $100 billion in the economy.
He also said that past administrations of “two very corrupt governments” contributed to the financial disaster.
He stated that Pakistan, as an agricultural country, need agricultural investment and production, and that a Memorandum of Understanding had already been inked with China.
He claimed that about 20% of Pakistan’s population was poor, and that the Chinese model of poverty alleviation through wealth creation was an example to be emulated.
Regarding Chinese assistance during Covid-19, the prime minister stated that China aided Pakistan shortly after the virus’s outbreak by giving assistance and vaccines.
“We learned a lot from China since we had extremely close contacts as the pandemic expanded,” he said.
Imran Khan greeted the Chinese people a happy lunar Chinese new year of the Tiger, describing it as his favourite animal and wishing them peace and success.
