Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to further strengthen the “all-weather strategic partnership” with China.
The meeting covered bilateral ties, regional peace, and expanded cooperation under CPEC Phase II.
Pakistan reaffirms support for China’s interests
During the meeting, attended by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, cabinet members, and Field Marshal Asim Munir, the prime minister thanked China for its consistent support in safeguarding Pakistan’s sovereignty, integrity, and development.
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He reiterated that Pakistan will continue to fully back China’s core national interests and lauded President Xi Jinping’s leadership as well as his role in fostering the friendship between the two nations.
Praise for Xi Jinping and upcoming high-level engagements
Shehbaz Sharif described his recent meeting with President Xi in Beijing as “very pleasant and fruitful,” underscoring the mutual trust between the two sides.
PM Shehbaz also indicated his upcoming visit to Tianjin and Beijing, where he will participate in the SCO summit as well as the 80th anniversary celebrations of the end of World War II in China. He is expected to hold further discussions with President Xi, Premier Li Keqiang, and other senior Chinese leaders.
Strengthening trade, investment, CPEC Phase II
Highlighting the importance of economic cooperation, PM Shehbaz stressed the need to expand collaboration in trade, investment, agriculture, ICT, industry, and mineral development.
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Calling the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) a “guarantor of Pakistan’s socio-economic development,” he expressed satisfaction with progress under Phase II of the project, which focuses on industrial growth and people-centred initiatives.
China’s assurance of stronger bilateral relations
Foreign Minister Wang Yi said China is keen to elevate relations with Pakistan to “new heights” and pledged Beijing’s continued support for regional peace, development, and stability.
The two sides agreed to maintain close coordination on national, regional, and global issues while working to advance strategic cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Earlier, the Chinese foreign minister also met with President Asif Ali Zardari and discussed bilateral cooperation and regional security. On the occasion, President Zardari acknowledged the robust ties between the two countries.
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The president also thanked China for supporting Pakistan's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national development. He also extended his condolences on the loss of lives in the flash floods in Beijing and Gansu province of China.
Pakistan and China also reaffirmed their commitment to deepen bilateral ties and expand cooperation across multiple sectors, as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi addressed a joint press conference in Islamabad.
Dar welcomed Wang’s visit and said their discussions were constructive and covered issues of mutual interest, including a review of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and all aspects of bilateral relations. “We agreed on all major matters and remain committed to working together for peace, stability and prosperity in the region,” Dar said.
