Islamaba: Pakistan and China on Tuesday reaffirmed their “iron-clad and all-weather strategic cooperative partnership,” pledging to expand cooperation in trade, energy, defence, and infrastructure while advancing the next phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese President Xi Jinping met at the Great Hall of the People on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of State summit, held from August 31 to September 1.
According to an official statement, both leaders described the bilateral relationship as “unique and unparalleled,” agreeing to strengthen coordination on regional and global developments.
PM Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the second phase of CPEC, which includes five new corridors aimed at boosting economic activity. He highlighted the project’s significance as a flagship of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and a key driver for Pakistan’s socio-economic development.
President Xi assured continued Chinese support in priority sectors of Pakistan’s economy and expressed readiness to enhance cooperation in areas aligned with CPEC’s next stage.
The prime minister also praised President Xi’s leadership and acknowledged China’s initiatives in multilateral platforms, including the Global Development, Global Security, and Global Civilisation initiatives, which he said contribute to global peace and stability.
During the meeting, PM Shehbaz extended a “most cordial” invitation to President Xi to visit Pakistan next year, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
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