Chinese Ambassador Jiang Ziadong highlights CPEC’s role in regional connectivity at Islamabad Diplomatic Forum

ISLAMABAD : At the inaugural ‘Diplomats’ Discourse’ titled “Regional Connectivity: In Asian Context,” jointly organized by the Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI) and COMSATS University, Pakistan’s potential as a regional connectivity hub, particularly in the context of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), was highlighted. Ambassador Jiang Ziadong, China’s newly-arrived Ambassador, emphasized the significant opportunities in 2023 for the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The event brought together diplomats, think-tank representatives, and Foreign Service officers from Islamabad, as well as ASEAN diplomats in training. Speakers emphasized the openness and mutual benefits of the initiative, which has garnered support from both China and Pakistan, with plans to further enhance CPEC cooperation. Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed also addressed the gathering, and two panel discussions explored BRI’s impact on ASEAN and Pakistan’s role in regional connectivity, featuring insights from various ambassadors on diplomacy and foreign policy.