ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), calling it the cornerstone of the enduring strategic partnership between Islamabad and Beijing.
During a meeting with Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong, the premier emphasized the timely execution of key infrastructure projects, including the Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway upgrade, the Karakoram Highway expansion, and the further development of Gwadar Port.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, discussions also covered enhanced bilateral cooperation in agriculture, industry, and information technology.
Prime Minister Sharif extended greetings to Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, expressing hope for the successful convening of the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, which Pakistan is expected to attend later this year.
Plans for the prime minister’s visit to China—likely in late August—are currently under consultation.
He also thanked China for its consistent economic and financial support, which has played a crucial role in stabilizing Pakistan’s economy.
The two sides exchanged views on regional security, including recent developments in the Iran-Israel conflict. Ambassador Jiang commended Pakistan’s efforts to promote peace and diplomacy at global platforms, including the UN Security Council.
Both leaders agreed to maintain close coordination in the lead-up to the SCO summit, underscoring their mutual commitment to peace, development, and regional connectivity.
