Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese President Xi Jinping met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit on Tuesday, where they reaffirmed their strong resolve to deepen and strengthen the bilateral partnership founded on strategic cooperation between Pakistan and China.
Congratulating President Xi on successfully hosting the SCO Heads of State Summit, PM Shehbaz praised the Chinese leader’s vision and leadership. The premier stated, “Pakistan is very proud of China’s achievements,” adding that Pakistan will always be ready to work with China on this journey.
During the high-level meeting, which was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, and others, PM Shehbaz and President Xi reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen their strategic cooperative partnership. Lauding President Xi for his vision and leadership, the premier also congratulated him on the 80th anniversary of the “World Anti-Fascist War.” Underscoring the significance of the Chinese president’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as a major project, PM Shehbaz reiterated his desire to continue working with China on the next phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
He added, “Pakistan fully supports President Xi’s historic initiatives, which include global governance, global development, global security, and global solarization initiatives.” He further said, “These initiatives will contribute to regional and global peace, stability, and development.” In response, President Xi reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to stand by Pakistan in all areas of economic growth. “Focus is being placed on Pakistan’s most important economic sectors,” President Xi told PM Shehbaz, confirming that CPEC had entered its second phase. Additionally, while reassuring China’s continued support for Pakistan in the fight against terror, Xi expressed hope that Islamabad would take effective measures to ensure the security of Chinese personnel and projects in the country.
With the two leaders discussing regional and global developments and agreeing to continue close cooperation, PM Shehbaz reiterated his invitation for President Xi to visit Pakistan next year.
