ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORTER
Pakistan and China have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their strategic partnership during a high-level meeting between Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Beijing. The two sides reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction with the positive momentum in their cooperation.
During the meeting, both leaders reiterated their shared vision of deepening strategic ties across economic, political, and development domains. A series of agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were signed, marking a significant step forward in advancing the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and promoting collaboration in various sectors including science and technology, agriculture, media, and information technology.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed gratitude to the Chinese leadership and people for their unwavering support for Pakistan’s regional integrity, sovereignty, and socio-economic development. He emphasized the importance of CPEC as a flagship project under President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), crucial to Pakistan’s long-term development.
Building on the outcomes of the meeting between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held on September 2, both prime ministers reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing strategic cooperation. They hailed the signing of the Joint Action Plan (2024–2029) as a milestone in strengthening long-term bilateral ties.
Prime Minister Sharif also noted the encouraging results of Pakistan’s reform efforts supported by China, and announced Pakistan’s intention to issue Panda Bonds in the Chinese capital market in the near future.
He stressed the need to expedite key CPEC projects, including the reconstruction of the Karakoram Highway, the Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway project, and the full operationalization of Gwadar Port. The two countries agreed to work together on upgrading CPEC and developing five new economic corridors.
Highlighting the vast opportunities for bilateral investment, the Prime Minister referenced the upcoming investment conference in Beijing and emphasized priority sectors such as agriculture, mining, minerals, textiles, industrial development, and IT.
He further reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for President Xi Jinping’s multilateral initiatives including the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative, and Global Governance Initiative.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both leaders witnessed the signing ceremony of various agreements and MoUs, aimed at deepening sectoral cooperation. The engagement was followed by a state luncheon hosted by Premier Li Qiang in honour of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his delegation.
The two countries also announced plans to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2026, marking a new chapter in their enduring friendship.
