Pakistan and China have agreed to enhance cooperation to put in place a more effective security system for China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects with Gwadar Port as pilot project in this regard.

Both countries reached the consensus in recently concluded 9th Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) of CPEC. Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Reform Khusro Bakhtyar and Vice Chairman of National Development & Reform Commission Ning Ji Zhe led Pakistani and Chinese sides, respectively during the meeting.

According to official documents concerning the proceedings of the JCC, the two sides reaffirmed that security is of utmost importance to the development of CPEC.

Both sides agreed that they should be highly vigilant to the threats of terrorist attacks. Chinese side appreciated dedicated security being provided by Government of Pakistan to CPEC projects and agreed that raising of Special Security Division (SSD) North and South has further enhanced security of CPEC.

Pakistan said that country will take all necessary measures to ensure the security of Chinese personnel and CPEC projects.

Whereas, Chinese side assured that it would make best efforts to work with Pakistani side to mitigate all threats to CPEC. The Chinese side will also continue to provide support for capacity building of Pakistani side to the best of its ability, documents revealed.

Both sides agreed that the wide application of technology will further improve the efficiency of security work of CPEC, and the two sides will further enhance cooperation to establish a more effective security system with Gwadar port as pilot project. The two sides agreed to enhance joint cooperation on security of CPEC in all domains, the documents indicted.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2019