Samarkand, 16 September 2022 (TDI): The President of China, Xi Jinping met the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif. Their bilateral meeting was held on the sidelines of the 22nd SCO Council of Heads of State Summit.
The meeting was held in Forumlar Majmuasi Complex in Samarkand.
President Xi Jinping Meets Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif
Full text: https://t.co/h8BXUKuOm5— Hua Chunying 华春莹 (@SpokespersonCHN) September 16, 2022
This also marks the first official meeting between both heads since the Prime Minister assumed office in April 2022. During the meeting, the two leaders highlighted bilateral relations between both countries.
Additionally, they also exchanged views on important regional and international issues of mutual interest.
During the welcoming remarks, the Chinese President described Prime Minister Shehbaz as a leader with a longstanding commitment to China-Pakistan friendship.
Discussion on bilateral relations
During the meeting, President Xi pointed out that China and Pakistan are close neighbors linked by mountains and rivers and with a shared future. He highlighted that both countries are each other’s trustworthy strategic partners and stand together through thick and thin.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif meets President of China, H.E Xi Jinping on the sidelines of SCO-CHS Summit in Samarqand, Uzbekistan pic.twitter.com/GEBDYUqPuZ
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) September 16, 2022
Additionally, he affirmed China will work with Pakistan to accelerate the building of a closer community with a shared future between the two countries in the new era.
The President of China also stressed fostering the role of the Joint Cooperation Committee of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He said that both countries should work to ensure the smooth construction and operation of major projects.
Further, both sides emphasized expanding cooperation in areas like industry, agriculture, science, technology, and social welfare.
On the occasion, the Chinese President expressed his hope that Pakistan will provide solid protection for the security of Chinese citizens, businesses, and institutions in Pakistan.
Moreover, President Xi commended Pakistan for actively supporting the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative.
In response, the Prime Minister of Pakistan affirmed to protect the security of Chinese citizens and institutions in Pakistan. Additionally, he committed to making CPEC a model of mutually beneficial cooperation.
The Prime Minister also lauded President Xi’s visionary BRI and GDI which calls for collective action for sustainable development.
Moreover, the two sides discussed enhancing collaboration within the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and other multilateral platforms.
Both heads of state also affirmed to work together to tackle challenges like climate change, health pandemics, and growing inequalities.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a bilateral meeting with President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the 22 SCO Council of Heads of State in Samarkand today.The two leaders reaffirmed their resolve to building the Pakistan-China Community for Shared Future in the New Era pic.twitter.com/5JFpulukzd
— Pakistan Embassy China (@PakinChina_) September 16, 2022
The Prime Minister of Pakistan thanked China for its timely and valuable support for the flood-stricken areas of Pakistan.
He highlighted that this showed Chinese support for Pakistan as a historic friend. He also expressed that the Pakistani people hold President Xi in high esteem and view China as a great friend of Pakistan.
It is noteworthy that China has provided RMB 400 million to help Pakistan deal with the flood’s impact.
Also Read: China to provide humanitarian aid to Pakistan
Moreover, he condoled President Xi over the tragic loss of life and devastation caused by the earthquake in Sichuan Province on 5 September 2022. Prime Minister emphasized that the whole of Pakistan stands with China in the face of this natural calamity.
Regional Issues
On the occasion, Prime Minister Shehbaz affirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the one-China policy. He affirmed full support to China on issues like Taiwan, Xinjiang, and Hong Kong.
Prime Minister Shehbaz said that Pakistan is resolutely opposed to the attempt of certain forces to undermine China’s sovereignty and interfere in its internal affairs.
He also thanked China for supporting Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, FATF, national development, the Covid-19 pandemic, and other areas.
Additionally, Prime Minister thanked China for its principled stand on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. He said that India is violating human rights in the occupied area and it’s necessary that countries stand together to condemn these actions.
Concluding Remarks
Concluding the meeting, both sides affirmed to work closely in the future. Furthermore, the Prime Minister invited the Chinese President for a state visit to Pakistan.
Acknowledging this, President Xi also stated that he was looking forward to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to China.
Consequently, both leaders welcomed the signing of a Protocol to the Framework Agreement on the ML-1 Railway Project.
About SCO Summit
The Prime Minister of Pakistan and the President of China met in Uzbekistan. Both leaders are present in Samarkand to attend the SCO Heads of Council Summit 2022.
The SCO Summit commenced on 15 September and lasted till 16 September. During the Summit, participants discussed issues of regional and international dynamics.
Leaders from Russia, Turkmenistan, India, Iran, and many other countries are attending the summit. Additionally, participants will also discuss opportunities for cooperation to tackle rising inflation, climate change, and economic recovery in the post-pandemic era.
