Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a significant meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. The visit celebrated the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China. Deputy Prime Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir also participated in the discussions.
Strengthening Strategic Partnership
Prime Minister Sharif expressed appreciation for the warm reception by President Xi. He emphasized the crucial role of the Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership in Pakistan’s foreign policy. This enduring alliance is vital amid changing regional and global dynamics.
Support for China’s Core Interests
Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s support for China’s core interests, underscoring adherence to the One China Principle. He acknowledged China’s steadfast support for Pakistan’s sovereignty and economic stability. Reflecting on his Hangzhou visit, Sharif praised President Xi’s leadership in Zhejiang from 2002 to 2007, which enhanced China’s global stature.
Regional Peace and Stability
Sharif valued China’s support for Pakistan’s regional peace initiatives and lauded President Xi’s four-point peace proposal. The enduring Pakistan-China relationship continues to contribute to regional and global stability.
Commitment to Global Initiatives
The Prime Minister acknowledged President Xi’s global initiatives promoting cooperation and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to a Community with a Shared Future for Humanity. Key initiatives include:
- Belt and Road Initiative
- Global Development Initiative
- Global Security Initiative
- Global Civilization Initiative
- Global Governance Initiative
Economic Collaboration and CPEC
Shehbaz Sharif committed to strengthening bilateral ties and strategic coordination. He focused on high-quality development through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Sharif suggested aligning China’s 15th Five-Year Plan with Pakistan’s Uraan Pakistan initiative to enhance collaboration in key areas.
Key Sectors for Collaboration
- Industrialization
- Connectivity infrastructure
- Science and technology
- Agricultural modernization
- Clean energy development
- Digital transformation
The selection of Pakistani astronauts for China’s space station program marks a significant milestone in bilateral cooperation.
