Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday reaffirmed their resolve to further strengthen the iron-clad, all-weather strategic cooperative partnership during a high-level meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
Both leaders emphasised that Pakistan-China ties were “unique and unparalleled” and must be reflected through enhanced bilateral cooperation across diverse sectors.
Xi, Shehbaz Discuss CPEC and Economic Cooperation
President Xi Jinping assured that China would continue to support Pakistan in all fields of growth and development. He highlighted that the two countries were entering the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which would prioritise Pakistan’s most vital economic sectors.
“China stands ready to work with Pakistan to build upgraded versions of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and the Free Trade Agreement,” Xi said, while stressing the need for effective measures to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel and projects in Pakistan.
Prime Minister Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to CPEC’s next phase, particularly the five new corridors, calling it a “practical step toward building an even stronger Pakistan-China community with a shared future.”
Shehbaz Lauds Xi’s Leadership, Supports Global Initiatives
Congratulating President Xi on the successful SCO summit in Tianjin and the 80th anniversary of the World Anti-Fascist War, Shehbaz praised Xi’s “visionary and transformational leadership” that has inspired China’s modernisation journey.
“Pakistan takes great pride in China’s achievements and will always stand ready to work together with China in this great journey,” Shehbaz said.
He also expressed Pakistan’s full support for Xi’s initiatives, including the Global Governance Initiative, Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilisation Initiative, noting that these “serve the collective global good and contribute to regional and international peace, stability, and development.”
Mutual Support and Future Engagements
Shehbaz thanked China for its unwavering support for Pakistan’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and socio-economic development. Both leaders agreed to maintain close coordination on key regional and global developments.
On behalf of Pakistan, Shehbaz extended a “most cordial” invitation to President Xi to visit Pakistan next year, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
President Xi welcomed the invitation and said that the “strong China-Pakistan relationship is conducive to safeguarding regional peace and development,” emphasising the importance of building “an even closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era.”
Related stories:
