Islamabad: 22 June 2024 (TDI): Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC), called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad earlier today.
While welcoming the Chinese dignitary and members of his delegation to Pakistan, the Prime Minister congratulated him and the political leaders of Pakistan on the successful organization of the Pakistan-China Political Parties Forum and the 3rd round of the Joint Consultative Mechanism (JCM) of Political Parties on CPEC.
Moreover, He said it was a matter of great satisfaction that there was complete political consensus in both countries on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Emphasizing the historical and unique significance of bilateral relations between the two countries, the Prime Minister reaffirmed that the Pakistan-China friendship was time-tested and enduring. He termed it indispensable for peace and development in both countries, the region, and beyond.
Reflecting on his recent visit to China, where he held fruitful and productive meetings with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, the Prime Minister commended the Chinese leadership’s vision for the continued growth of Pakistan-China strategic relations and the shared desire of both countries to work together to ensure the success of CPEC and its upgradation to the next phase.
The Prime Minister underlined that early completion and implementation of all ongoing and new CPEC projects would contribute significantly to Pakistan’s economic growth and inclusive development.
Appreciating the role of IDCPC in deepening bilateral ties, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of enhanced exchanges between the two countries’ political parties for experience-sharing, capacity-building, and people-centered governance. He lauded the CPC for its full support of strengthening China’s iron-clad brotherhood with Pakistan.
In his remarks, Liu Jianchao stressed that Pakistan and China were iron brothers, strategic partners, and most trusted friends.
He further emphasized that China accorded Pakistan a special place in its foreign policy and would continue to support Pakistan’s economic development and jointly work for the upgraded version of CPEC.
The Prime Minister also briefed the Chinese delegation about the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), which was established through a “Whole of the Government” approach with the objective of attracting investment in key areas. It has evolved into a useful forum offering a one-window facility to domestic and foreign investors.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Chief of the Army Staff General Syed Aim Munir, Federal Ministers for Finance, Interior, Planning, Petroleum, Power, Privatization, Information, MOS for IT, SAPM Tariq Fatemi and senior officials attended.
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The meeting was also attended by Jiang Zaidong, the Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, and senior officials of the International Department of the Communist Party of China.
The Prime Minister hosted a banquet in honor of Liu Jianchao and the accompanying Chinese delegation, which representatives of major political parties also attended.
