In a pivotal and warmly received meeting at the Great Hall of the People, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and President Xi Jinping reaffirmed the robust and enduring strategic cooperative partnership between Pakistan and China. This high-stakes dialogue underscored their mutual commitment to bolstering bilateral ties amidst evolving regional dynamics.
During the discussions, the Prime Minister congratulated President Xi on the successful conclusion of the SCO Council of Heads of State Summit held in Tianjin. He also extended his felicitations on the 80th anniversary of the World”s Anti-Fascist War. Commending President Xi”s visionary leadership, Shehbaz Sharif expressed Pakistan”s pride in China”s achievements and reiterated willingness to collaborate closely with China in their shared journey of modernization and progress.
Highlighting the importance of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of China”s Belt and Road Initiative, the Prime Minister acknowledged China”s unwavering support for Pakistan”s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and socio-economic development. He emphasized the desire to work hand in hand with China for the successful implementation of the next phase of CPEC, which includes five new corridors aimed at strengthening the Pakistan-China community with a shared future.
The Prime Minister praised President Xi”s steadfast commitment to multilateralism and expressed Pakistan”s full backing for China”s initiatives, including the Global Governance Initiative, Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative. He noted that these efforts would contribute significantly to global peace, stability, and development.
President Xi assured continuous Chinese assistance in enhancing Pakistan”s economic growth, especially as both nations enter the second phase of CPEC, focusing on critical economic sectors. The leaders agreed that the exceptional and unparalleled relationship between their countries should be mirrored in increased bilateral cooperation.
The meeting also addressed pressing regional and global developments, with both leaders committing to sustained collaboration in these areas. Prime Minister Sharif seized the opportunity to invite President Xi for an official visit to Pakistan next year, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations.