PM Shehbaz, President Xi Discuss Stronger China-Pakistan Ties

Beijing: Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met at the Great Hall of the People, where Xi expressed China’s full support for Pakistan in fighting terrorism.

Xi also emphasized the importance of protecting Chinese workers, projects, and institutions in Pakistan to ensure a safe environment for cooperation.

President Xi said China supports Pakistan in maintaining unity, focusing on development, and strengthening the nation. He expressed readiness to work with Pakistan on the next phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC 2.0).

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked China for its strong support for Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and socioeconomic progress. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to working closely with China for the successful implementation of the upgraded CPEC, which now includes five new corridors.

Xi Jinping also highlighted the importance of a strong China-Pakistan relationship for regional peace and development, especially as global changes accelerate. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir attended the meeting, held after the SCO summit in Tianjin.

Both leaders discussed regional and global issues and agreed to continue their close cooperation. Prime Minister Shehbaz praised CPEC as a key project under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which aims to build a stronger China-Pakistan community with a shared future.

Shehbaz also welcomed President Xi’s commitment to multilateralism and Pakistan’s full support for global initiatives such as the Global Governance Initiative, Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative.