Pakistan and China on Friday reaffirmed their steadfast commitment to safeguarding the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) from its detractors and adversaries.
This resolve was expressed during delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the Great Hall of the People. The discussions focused on ensuring the timely completion of ongoing projects and supporting the high-quality development of CPEC.
Prime Minister Sharif, accompanied by key members of his cabinet, was welcomed with a ceremony at the Great Hall of the People. The two leaders reviewed the comprehensive spectrum of bilateral relations and discussed regional and global developments of mutual interest. They emphasized that the Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership is rooted in mutual trust, shared principles, and strategic convergence.
During the talks, Premier Li Qiang congratulated Prime Minister Sharif on Pakistan’s recent election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. Both leaders reaffirmed their unwavering support for each other on core issues and expressed continued commitment to the high-quality development of CPEC. They emphasized the importance of completing all ongoing projects on time, with a particular focus on industrial development, agricultural modernization, science and technology, and the establishment of Special Economic Zones to foster socio-economic growth in Pakistan.
A significant portion of the discussions centered on the strategic importance of Gwadar within the CPEC framework. Both sides agreed to accelerate the completion of all related infrastructure projects to transform Gwadar into a regional economic hub. They underscored their determination to protect CPEC from any detractors and adversaries while enhancing cooperation under the CPEC umbrella.
Prime Minister Sharif reassured Premier Li of Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Chinese personnel and projects in Pakistan. Both sides agreed to maintain high-level exchanges and strengthen institutional linkages across all tiers and spheres of bilateral cooperation.
The talks also highlighted the importance of close consultations on regional and global issues, particularly during Pakistan’s two-year tenure as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. The delegation-level discussions culminated in the signing of 23 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements, witnessed by Prime Minister Sharif and Premier Li. These MoUs encompass various sectors, including transport infrastructure, industry, energy, agriculture, media, health, water, and socio-economic development.
Following the formal discussions and MoU signing ceremony, Premier Li Qiang hosted an official banquet in honor of Prime Minister Sharif and his delegation, underscoring the deep and enduring ties between Pakistan and China. This meeting marks a significant step in reinforcing the strategic partnership and collaborative development efforts under the CPEC framework.
