TIANJIN; Pakistan and China on Tuesday reiterated their resolve to further strengthen their “iron-clad and all-weather strategic cooperative partnership,” underlining the depth and uniqueness of their bilateral ties.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of State Summit, held from August 31 to September 1. The discussions covered bilateral cooperation, regional dynamics, and global challenges.
According to the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), the two leaders agreed that the Pakistan-China relationship is “unique and unparalleled,” and must continue to be reflected in enhanced cooperation across multiple fields, including trade, energy, defense, infrastructure, and socio-economic development.
Prime Minister Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to work closely with China for the successful implementation of the next phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which now includes five new corridors. He lauded President Xi’s leadership, describing it as “visionary and transformational,” and said Pakistan took pride in China’s journey of modernization and progress.
Congratulating President Xi on the successful hosting of the SCO Summit in Tianjin, the premier also extended felicitations on the 80th anniversary of the World Anti-Fascist War.
The prime minister praised China’s consistent support for Pakistan’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and development. He also underlined the importance of CPEC as a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), designed to build a stronger Pakistan-China community with a shared future.
Highlighting President Xi’s global vision, PM Shehbaz welcomed China’s initiatives such as the Global Governance Initiative, Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative. He emphasized that these measures would benefit the world by promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development.
President Xi, reaffirming China’s strong support for Pakistan, assured continued assistance in economic growth and development. He stressed that the second phase of CPEC would prioritize Pakistan’s most crucial economic sectors and further consolidate cooperation. He also expressed confidence that Pakistan would ensure the safety and security of Chinese nationals and projects operating in the country.
The high-level meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, and other senior officials. Both sides also exchanged views on important regional and global developments and agreed to maintain close coordination.
PM Shehbaz extended a “most cordial” invitation to President Xi to undertake an official visit to Pakistan next year, when the two countries will celebrate the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.
“Pakistan is proud of China’s achievements and will always stand ready to work with Beijing in this great journey,” the premier affirmed.