EU Ambassador, GB CM Discuss Climate Resilience, Energy, and Tourism Sectors
European Union Ambassador Raimundas Karoblis, Council of the European Union representative Jeroen Willem Jan Maria, and First Secretary Alejandro called on Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan Amjad Hussain on Tuesday to discuss cooperation in development, climate resilience, energy, and tourism sectors.
Chief Minister's Welcome:
Welcoming the EU ambassador and his delegation, the chief minister expressed his appreciation for the European Union's role in the region's development, considering its remote and mountainous geography.
Climate Change and Glacier Protection:
He highlighted the challenging nature of providing basic facilities in such areas and mentioned that Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) holds the largest glaciers in the region, facing increased natural disasters due to climate change. GB has established a Glacier Protection Authority to tackle these issues.
Rural Development and Climate Resilience Project:
The chief minister spoke about the provincial government's initiatives, including the Rural Development and Climate Resilience Project, supported by the European Union and AFD. This project aims to address climate change impacts, provide clean drinking water, alleviate the energy crisis, stimulate economic activities, and improve basic facilities for GB's people.
Priorities and Development Opportunities:
He emphasized the GB government's focus on rural development, basic facility provision, and equal development opportunities. The government has recommended building an international airport in Gilgit to boost tourism and economic activities. Efforts are also underway to enhance road infrastructure for better transportation.
GB's Tourist Potential:
Describing GB as a unique tourist destination, the chief minister highlighted its peaceful environment, scenic beauty, and distinct culture, emphasizing the need for improved facilities to attract more tourists.
Power Crisis and Potential Solutions:
He mentioned the ongoing power crisis in GB and a potential model for addressing it through an agreement with N-Pak. If successful, this model could be replicated in other areas.
EU Ambassador's Remarks:
EU Ambassador Raimundas Karoblis expressed the European Union's commitment to cooperating with the provincial government. The Rural Development and Climate Resilience Project will support agriculture, combat climate change, protect glaciers, alleviate the energy crisis, provide technical training, and contribute to overcoming other challenges.
The ambassador appreciated the GB government's positive policies and assured continued cooperation for the region's development.