In an important development, Pakistan and China have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their strategic partnership, with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) set to enter its next phase.

Liujian Chow, Minister of International Affairs of the Communist Party of China, met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and reiterated China’s support for Pakistan's economic development.

The meeting, attended by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, several federal ministers, and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir, marked a significant step forward in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project.

Liu Jianchao praised Prime Minister Sharif’s recent visit to China, calling it highly successful. He reiterated China’s commitment to Pakistan, emphasizing that Pakistan holds a special place in China's foreign policy.

He assured that China will continue to support Pakistan's economic growth and development. Liu Jianchao expressed readiness to collaborate on the upgraded version of CPEC, highlighting the preparedness to implement its next phase.

Shehbaz Sharif expressed satisfaction over the mutual political consensus on CPEC, noting that the Pakistan-China friendship has withstood the test of time.

He appreciated China’s vision for strategic collaboration and the upgradation of CPEC, emphasizing the indispensable nature of this partnership for regional and global peace and development.

Following the meeting, the Prime Minister hosted a dinner in honor of Liu Jianchao and his delegation. The visit of the Chinese Minister, which included meetings with Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Army Chief General Asim Munir, underscores the deep and strategic ties between Pakistan and China.

Chinese minister meets COAS Gen Asim Munir

Earlier on Friday, Minister of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC) Liu Jianchao called on Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi.

During the meeting, both discussed matters of mutual interest, including regional peace and stability, and reviewed progress on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

The COAS reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering commitment to the strategic partnership with China and pledged full support for the successful implementation of CPEC, a flagship project of China's Belt and Road Initiative.

Liu Jianchao highlighted that he is visiting Pakistan as a follow up of the successful meetings between the leadership of the two countries in China.

He emphasized the significance of the longstanding brotherly relations between the two nations and expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved on CPEC, reiterating China's commitment to its timely completion.

The visiting dignitary also commended Pakistan's efforts in maintaining regional peace and stability, acknowledging the support of the Pakistan Armed Forces in providing security to Chinese nationals and projects in Pakistan.