Shehbaz meets Cai Dafeng-led delegation, vows success of next phase of CPEC
islamabad
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday reiterated Pakistan’s full support for China’s core interests and reaffirmed the country’s firm resolve 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 National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee Vice Chairman 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. Welcoming the Chinese dignitary on the occasion, the prime minister recalled the “historic, time-tested All-Weather 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 significance,” he said.
The prime minister conveyed his 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 appreciation for China’s continued support for Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Lauding the role of CPEC as a game-changer for Pakistan’s socio-economic development, PM Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm resolve to ensure the success of the next phase of CPEC, with a focus on agriculture, IT, industry and the mining sector.
The premier said he was “greatly looking forward” to his upcoming official visit to China, scheduled from May 23–26.
On 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 the greetings on the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
