ISLAMABAD: "Pakistan and China strengthened their strategic partnership, upgrading the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to its second phase. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Beijing, reaffirming their commitment to cooperation in politics, security, economy, trade, and people-to-people exchanges. They discussed regional and global issues, including Afghanistan, Palestine, and human rights in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
PM Shehbaz thanked President Xi for the warm welcome and acknowledged China's support for Pakistan's development. The two sides signed 23 MoUs and agreements to deepen cooperation in various fields, including transport infrastructure, industry, energy, agriculture, media, health, water, and socio-economic development.
PM Shehbaz also met Chinese Premier Li Qiang, reaffirming their commitment to protect CPEC and ensure its timely completion. They discussed bilateral relations, regional and global developments, and Pakistan's election to the UN Security Council. The two sides agreed to expedite infrastructure projects in Gwadar, transforming it into a regional economic hub.
Pakistan and China will continue to consult closely on regional and global issues during Pakistan's tenure on the UN Security Council. The visit highlighted the ironclad friendship and close strategic ties between Pakistan and China, setting the stage for further strengthening their all-weather strategic cooperative partnership.
PM Shehbaz also met Chairman of China's National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee Zhao Leji, agreeing to promote engagement and cooperation between the NPC and the Parliament of Pakistan. The PM proposed initiatives to strengthen parliamentary exchanges, including enhancing interactions between the China-Pakistan Friendship Groups and exchanging delegations of young parliamentarians.
The visit demonstrated the strong bond between Pakistan and China, paving the way for further collaboration and growth in their strategic partnership. The two nations reaffirmed their commitment to supporting each other on issues of core interest, including Kashmir and Taiwan.
The delegation-level talks were followed by an MoU signing ceremony, witnessed by PM Shehbaz Sharif and Premier Li Qiang. The agreements covered various areas, including transport infrastructure, industry, energy, agriculture, media, health, water, and socio-economic development.
President Xi Jinping's visionary Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Global Development Initiative (GDI) were hailed by PM Shehbaz, acknowledging CPEC as a flagship project of BRI. The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to high-quality development of CPEC and timely completion of major ongoing projects.
Pakistan and China agreed to establish special economic zones, including the Rashakai Special Economic Zone and the China-Pakistan Economic Zone in Gwadar. These zones will serve as hubs for industrial development, trade, and investment, further strengthening economic ties between the two nations.
Professor Cheng Xizhong, a visiting professor at Southwest University of Political Science and Law, praised the visit, stating that it marked a significant milestone in the Pakistan-China strategic partnership. He noted that CPEC has achieved fruitful results and is moving towards its second phase of practical cooperation.
The visit concluded with a banquet hosted by Premier Li Qiang in honor of PM Shehbaz Sharif. The PM was also given a guard of honor at the Great Hall of the People, accompanied by a ceremonial parade. The national anthems of Pakistan and China were played, symbolizing the strong friendship and solidarity between the two nations.
Overall, the visit marked a significant milestone in the Pakistan-China strategic partnership, setting the stage for further cooperation and growth in the years to come."
