PM Shehbaz calls for speedy implementation of CPEC projects to strengthen ties with China

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday acknowledged China’s continued support to Pakistan and stressed the need for timely implementation of the next phase of projects in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to strengthen bilateral economic ties.

A press release from the Prime Minister’s Office said he stressed the need during a meeting with Sun Haiyan, vice minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee (IDCPC).

“Regarding economic partnership, the Prime Minister appreciated China’s generous assistance to Pakistan, especially under CPEC, and emphasized the need for early implementation of the next phase of CPEC,” the press release said.

It added that Prime Minister Shehbaz conveyed his best wishes to President Xi Jinping and Chinese leaders, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to its “ironclad” strategic cooperative partnership with China. He said bilateral relations would remain “unshakeable” under all circumstances and reiterated Pakistan’s “firm adherence” to the one-China policy.

The prime minister renewed his invitation to President Xi Jinping to undertake an official visit to Pakistan later this year, calling 2026 a “pivotal year” for both countries.

The prime minister said the Chinese delegation’s visit assumes particular significance as the two countries celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2026.

He noted that the year began with a successful visit of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to Beijing, followed by the visit of the Interior Minister to Shanghai. PM Shehbaz 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 his warm welcome and reaffirmed China’s commitment to further strengthen its “long-standing and time-tested relations” with Pakistan in all sectors.

She praised the Prime Minister for his efforts to bring economic and political stability to the country and said the Chinese people were proud of Pakistan’s diplomatic achievements.

The deputy minister also noted that the CPC enjoyed close relations with Pakistan’s political parties and praised the leadership role of the Prime Minister in unifying political forces for better governance.

Highlighting the importance of inter-party ties, the Chinese official reiterated the CPC’s determination to deepen cooperation with Pakistani political parties through institutional and inter-party mechanisms.

The meeting was also attended by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Syed Tariq Fatemi, Special Representative of the Prime Minister for China Zafaruddin Mahmood and Foreign Minister Amina Baloch.