Group photo of Deputy Chairman of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress Cai Dafeng with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and members of the delegation in Islamabad, Wednesday, May 20, 2026. Photo: X/PMO
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday reiterated Pakistan’s full support for China’s core interests and reaffirmed the country’s firm determination to ensure the success of the next phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The development came during a meeting with a high-level Chinese delegation led by Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Cai Dafeng.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the delegation is visiting Pakistan to participate in the celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.
Greeting the Chinese dignitary on this occasion, the Prime Minister recalled the “historic and time-tested strategic cooperative partnership” between the two countries.
“Over the past seventy-five years, Pakistan and China have established a unique bond of friendship, anchored in mutual trust and strategic convergence on issues of bilateral and regional importance,” he said.
ISLAMABAD: May 20, 2026.
Call to the Prime Minister by Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC), Mr. Cai Dafeng.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif received a high-level Chinese delegation, led by HE Cai Dafeng, Vice President… pic.twitter.com/f2LbtOKY2v
– Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) May 20, 2026
The Prime Minister conveyed warm greetings to President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang and the Chinese people on the occasion of the 75th anniversary, while reiterating Pakistan’s full support for China’s core interests and expressing gratitude for China’s continued support for Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Hailing the role of CPEC as a game-changer for Pakistan’s socio-economic development, Prime Minister Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong resolve to ensure the success of the next phase of CPEC, with emphasis on agriculture, IT, industry and mining.
The Prime Minister said he was “looking forward” to his next official visit to China, scheduled for May 23-26.
Regarding the regional situation, the statement said the Prime Minister appreciated China’s constructive role in promoting peace and stability in South Asia and the Middle East, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to regional harmony and multilateral cooperation.
Dafeng thanked the Prime Minister for the warm welcome extended to him and his delegation and reciprocated on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
“China will continue to support Pakistan and pursue close cooperation with Pakistan to build a China-Pakistan community with a shared future,” he said, expressing the Chinese leaders’ commitment to further strengthen bilateral relations.
He added that China fully supports Pakistan’s role in the ongoing regional peace efforts and will continue to play its role in maintaining global peace and stability.
Both sides highlighted the uniqueness of the iron brotherhood between Pakistan and China as an essential pillar of peace, development and stability in the region.
National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Minister of Planning and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal, Minister of Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, SAPM Tariq Fatemi and Foreign Minister Ambassador Amna Baloch attended the meeting, according to the Prime Minister’s Office statement.
