Chinese President Xi Jinping praised the longstanding friendship between China and Pakistan as ideal during a meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Beijing.

The meeting, deemed crucial, took place at the historic Great Hall of the People, where both leaders discussed various matters of mutual interest.

Expressing gratitude for the warm reception during his visit, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the significance of Pakistan's relationship with China. President Xi Jinping echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that the strategic ties between the two countries continue to strengthen over time.

The leaders agreed on the enhancement of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and ensuring the timely completion of major development projects. They also delved into regional and international affairs, including discussions on Afghanistan, Palestine, and the Kashmir issue.

PM Sharif and Chinese President reaffirmed the consensus to high-quality development of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and timely completion of major ongoing projects.

The two leaders also affirmed consensus on up-gradation of the CPEC and advancing the development of the mega project in the second phase.

Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir also participated in the meeting, underscoring the multifaceted nature of Pak-China relations. President Xi Jinping hailed the friendship between the two nations, describing them as good partners who stand by each other through thick and thin.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan's commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Chinese citizens, projects, and institutions in Pakistan. He highlighted that Pakistan's development agenda aligns with China's vision of ‘shared prosperity.’

The prime minister briefed President Xi on Pakistan’s policies for economic reform and sustained growth, industrial development, agricultural modernization and regional connectivity and the critical role played by CPEC in Pakistan’s development.

He asserted Pakistan’s commitment to high-quality development of CPEC and to foster synergy between the development strategies of the two countries through close coordination.

PM Shehbaz Chinese President

The premier thanked President Xi Jinping for the warm and gracious welcome accorded to him and his delegation in China. He recalled the historic visit of the President Xi Jinping to Pakistan in 2015 when the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was formally operationalized marking a new chapter in the bilateral relationship.

The two leaders reaffirmed the time-honored ‘All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership’ and expressed the resolve to further deepen cooperation across diverse domains ranging from political and security to economic, trade, and people-to- people exchanges.

They also exchanged views on regional and global developments including Afghanistan, Palestine and South Asia including the serious human rights situation in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The two sides reiterated their longstanding support on each other’s issues of core interest.

President Xi Jinping hosted a dinner in honor of the Prime Minister, providing another opportunity for discussions on mutual interests and further strengthening bilateral ties.