ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, acknowledging China’s continued support for Pakistan, on Thursday underscored the importance of timely implementation of the next phase of projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to further strengthen bilateral economic cooperation.
According to a press release issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the premier made these remarks during a meeting with Sun Haiyan, Vice Minister of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC). He expressed appreciation for China’s generous support, particularly under the CPEC framework.
PM Shehbaz conveyed his best wishes to President Xi Jinping and the Chinese leadership, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to its strategic cooperative partnership with China. He said the bilateral relationship would remain “unwavering” under all circumstances and reiterated Pakistan’s firm adherence to the One China policy.
The prime minister also renewed his invitation to President Xi to undertake an official visit to Pakistan later this year, describing 2026 as a milestone year for both countries as they mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
Highlighting the momentum in high-level exchanges, PM Shehbaz noted that the year had begun with a successful visit by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar to Beijing, followed by the interior minister’s visit to Shanghai. He added that a visit by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq to China was also expected in the coming days.
Vice Minister Sun Haiyan thanked the prime minister for the warm reception and reaffirmed China’s commitment to further strengthening its long-standing and time-tested relationship with Pakistan across all sectors. She congratulated the prime minister on his efforts to bring economic and political stability to the country and said the Chinese people took pride in Pakistan’s diplomatic achievements. She also praised PM Shehbaz’s leadership role in fostering political consensus for improved governance.
Emphasising the importance of party-to-party engagement, the Chinese vice minister reiterated the Communist Party of China’s resolve to deepen cooperation with Pakistan’s political parties through institutional and inter-party mechanisms.
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Syed Tariq Fatemi, Prime Minister’s Special Representative for China Zafaruddin Mahmood, and Foreign Secretary Amina Baloch also attended the meeting.
Story by Khalid Mehmood
