Taking all-weather strategic cooperative partnership to a new height, Islamabad and Beijing have signed multiple cooperation documents for the “upgraded version” of the multi-billion project — China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) — which was the “centre” of bilateral talks during the recent visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Chinese foreign ministry said on Tuesday.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian conducted a briefing today in which he responded to the queries regarding “main achievements and highlights” of Premier Shehbaz’s much-anticipated visit to Beijing from June 4 to 8.
It was Shehbaz’s first official visit to China after took over as Prime Minister of Pakistan for the second term, and the Chinese side gave him a high-level reception, Lin Jian said, adding: “President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang and Chairman Zhao Leji met and held talks with him respectively.”
The leaders of the two countries exchanged in-depth views on China-Pakistan relations and issues of common concern and provided strategic guidance for the development of China-Pakistan relations.
President Xi stressed that the China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative partnership has been continuously deepened, with a solid public opinion foundation, strong endogenous driving force and broad development prospects.
“China is willing to firmly support Pakistan, tighten the ties of cooperation, deepen strategic coordination, and accelerate the construction of a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era,” said the spokesperson.
The premier said that no force can shake the ironclad friendship between China and Pakistan, and Pakistan will unswervingly be China’s most reliable friend and partner.
Both sides agreed that they would continue to give each other firm support on issues involving their respective core interests and major concerns.
The two sides highly appreciated the positive role of the CPEC in promoting Pakistan’s national development and improving the welfare of the Pakistani people.
