Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Xi Jinping have agreed upon the up gradation of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as both leaders met at the Great Hall of People in Beijing.
The meeting took place nears the concluding moments of PM Shehbaz’s five-day visit to China. Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, ministers and officials were accompanying the prime minister. It was the first rendezvous of PM Shehbaz with President Xi since he assumed office following Feb 8 General Elections in Pakistan.
The two leaders reiterated their commitment for timely completion of mega projects in under CPEC-II. China has invested millions of dollars in Pakistan under CPEC- a part of its ambitious multi-billion Belt and Road Initiative-BRI- mainly focusing country’s energy and road infrastructure projects. Beijing is reported to develop Pakistan agriculture and railways under CPEC-II.
A statement issued by the PM office said the meeting between the leaders was marked by traditional warmth reflective of the ironclad friendship and close strategic ties between the two countries.”
The prime minister, it stated, thanked President Xi for the warm welcome accorded to him and his delegation in China. He recalled the historic visit of Chinese President to Pakistan in 2015 when CPEC was formally operationalised.
PM Shehbaz and President Xi reaffirmed the time-honoured “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership” and resolved to deepen cooperation across diverse domains ranging from political and security to economic, trade, and people-to-people exchanges. They also discussed global issues including Afghanistan, Palestine and South Asia, as well as the human rights situation in Indian-occupied Kashmir.
China, the statement quoted the President Xi as saying, will, as always, firmly support Pakistan and safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Xi said that the two countries all-weather strategic partnership, adding China would help Pakistan with its economic and social development.
