Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Reaffirms Pakistan’s Strong Ties with China
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s enduring friendship with China on Sunday, emphasizing that politics should not interfere with the robust bilateral relationship between the two countries. Speaking during a meeting with a seven-member delegation of journalists who recently returned from an official visit to China, PM Sharif highlighted the longstanding support and cooperation extended by China to Pakistan.
The delegation, consisting of Salman Ghani, Aamir Mir, Shiraz Hasan, Khizr Hayat, Khalid Hasnain, Azam Malik, and Matiur Rehman, met with the Prime Minister following an invitation from the China Public Diplomacy Association. The meeting was also attended by Information Minister Attaullah Tarar.
Appreciation for China’s Continued Support
During the meeting, PM Sharif expressed his gratitude for the warm hospitality extended by the Chinese leadership and people during his recent visit to China. He stressed that China’s assistance during challenging times underscores the depth and strength of the bilateral relationship.
“China’s support has been unwavering, and it has played a crucial role in helping Pakistan navigate various challenges,” said PM Sharif. He called on all stakeholders to refrain from politicizing national development projects, particularly the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which he described as a cornerstone of the two countries’ partnership.
Focus on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)
The Prime Minister reiterated the importance of CPEC as a significant driver of economic growth and development in Pakistan. He emphasized that the initiative should be shielded from political interference to ensure its success and the continued prosperity of both nations.
“The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is not just a project but a symbol of our shared vision for the future. It must remain above political considerations,” stated Sharif.
PM Shehbaz also provided an update on the progress of the memorandums of understanding and agreements signed during his visit to China. He assured that measures are in place to ensure the security of Chinese residents in Pakistan, highlighting the rapid implementation of CPEC’s phase two.
Enhanced Cooperation in Various Fields
Sharif also noted that recent discussions with Chinese experts who visited Pakistan have led to enhanced cooperation in various fields, including infrastructure, energy, and technology. He underscored his commitment to using his tenure in office to advance Pakistan’s development agenda and foster continued collaboration with China.
“Our partnership with China is multi-faceted and evolving. We are working closely with our Chinese counterparts to explore new areas of cooperation that will benefit both our countries,” PM Sharif stated.
The reaffirmation of Pakistan’s strong ties with China comes at a time of regional complexities and global economic challenges. PM Shehbaz Sharif’s statements highlight the significance of the relationship between the two nations and the mutual benefits that stem from continued collaboration.
As Pakistan and China move forward with joint projects and initiatives, the emphasis on keeping politics separate from bilateral relations underscores the shared commitment to achieving long-term strategic goals.