ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Friday that the Pakistan-China friendship is essential for the peace and development of both nations, as well as for the region and beyond.
Highlighting the historic and unique significance of bilateral relations, the premier reaffirmed that the Pakistan-China friendship is time-tested and enduring.
Shehbaz Sharif made these remarks during a meeting with Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC) Liu Jianchao, who, along with a delegation, called on him at the Prime Minister House in the country capital, Islamabad.
Welcoming the Chinese dignitary and his delegation, the prime minister congratulated them and the political leaders of Pakistan on successfully organizing the Pakistan-China Political Parties Forum and the third round of the Joint Consultative Mechanism (JCM) of Political Parties on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The prime minister expressed great satisfaction with the complete political consensus in both countries regarding CPEC.
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 praised the Chinese leadership’s vision for the continued growth of Pakistan-China strategic relations. He noted the shared desire of both countries to work together to ensure the success of CPEC and its advancement to the next phase.
He emphasized that the early completion and implementation of all ongoing and new CPEC projects would significantly contribute 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 political parties of both countries for experience-sharing, capacity building, and people-centered governance.
He commended the CPC for its unwavering support in strengthening China’s iron-clad brotherhood with Pakistan.
In his remarks, Liu Jianchao emphasized that Pakistan and China are iron brothers, strategic partners, and most-trusted friends. He reiterated that China places a special importance on Pakistan in its foreign policy and will continue to support Pakistan’s economic development, working together for an upgraded version of CPEC.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, federal ministers and Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir were also present in the meeting.
The premier also hosted a dinner in honour of the Chinese minister and his delegation.
