GILGIT, Sep 22 (IN): European Union Ambassador Raimundas Karoblis and a delegation comprising Council of the European Union representative Jeroen Willem Jan Maria and First Secretary Alejandro on Tuesday called on Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan Amjad Hussain to discuss cooperation in development, climate resilience, energy and tourism.Welcoming the EU delegation, the Chief Minister appreciated the European Union’s role in supporting development initiatives in Gilgit-Baltistan, particularly in the region’s remote and mountainous areas.
Amjad Hussain said the challenging geography of Gilgit-Baltistan made the provision of basic facilities in remote areas a major challenge for the provincial government. He noted that the region was home to one of the largest concentrations of glaciers and was increasingly vulnerable to climate change and natural disasters.He said the provincial government had established a Glacier Protection Authority to safeguard glaciers and address risks associated with climate-related disasters.The Chief Minister highlighted the Rural Development and Climate Resilience Project, supported by the European Union and the French Development Agency (AFD), saying it would help mitigate the impacts of climate change, improve access to clean drinking water, address energy shortages, promote economic activities and strengthen basic services for local communities.
He said rural development, improved public facilities and equal development opportunities remained key priorities of the GB government.Amjad Hussain further said the provincial government had recommended the construction of an international airport in Gilgit to boost tourism and economic activity. He added that efforts were also underway to improve road infrastructure and transportation facilities for visitors.Describing Gilgit-Baltistan as a unique tourism destination, he highlighted its peaceful environment, natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
The Chief Minister also briefed the delegation on measures being taken to address the province’s power crisis. He said that if the agreement with N-Pak to resolve the ongoing energy crisis in Hunza proved successful, the model could be replicated in other parts of Gilgit-Baltistan.Speaking on the occasion, EU Ambassador Raimundas Karoblis said the European Union was working with the GB government to promote economic activities, improve basic services and address the region’s development challenges.
He said the Rural Development and Climate Resilience Project would support agriculture, strengthen climate resilience, protect glaciers, help address energy shortages and provide technical training, while contributing to efforts to tackle other key challenges facing the region.The EU Ambassador appreciated the positive policies and initiatives of the Gilgit-Baltistan government and assured continued European Union cooperation for the sustainable development of the region.
