Islamabad (TDI): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reiterated Pakistan’s determination to further deepen cooperation with China across multiple sectors, including trade, investment, ICT, agriculture, industrialization, and mining.
He made the remarks during a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Islamabad, where both sides reviewed the state of bilateral relations.
The prime minister highlighted the central role of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in Pakistan’s socio-economic development and in enhancing regional connectivity.
He noted with satisfaction the steady progress being made under CPEC’s Phase-II.
PM Shehbaz expressed appreciation for China’s leadership, government, and people, lauding their consistent support for Pakistan in protecting its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and development goals.
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He reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong backing for China on its core issues and reiterated the resolve to further consolidate the “all-weather strategic cooperative partnership” between the two nations.
The premier praised President Xi Jinping’s “visionary leadership” in cementing Pakistan-China ties, recalling his cordial meeting with the Chinese president in Beijing last year.
The PM said he looked forward to his upcoming visit to Tianjin and Beijing to attend the SCO CHS summit and the 80th anniversary commemorations of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance and the World Anti-Fascist War.
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For his part, the Chinese foreign minister described Pakistan as an “ironclad friend” and an all-weather strategic partner.
He commended Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to safeguarding sovereignty and development, and assured that China would continue working closely with Pakistan to advance regional peace, stability, and prosperity.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
