PARIS: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Chinese Premier Li Qiang here wherein two sides agreed to celebrate Decade of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) this year to showcase its success. Meeting was held here on sidelines of Summit for New Global Financial Pact.

It was first in-person meeting between two leaders since Premier Li assumed office in March this year. Expressing satisfaction at steady development of CPEC projects in Pakistan, two sides agreed on CPEC’s centrality for Pakistan’s socio-economic development and expressed their firm commitment to continue working together for realising its shared objectives for two countries.

Conversation was marked by traditional warmth and cordiality that has been hallmark of Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership. During meeting, two leaders held an in-depth discussion on entire gamut of bilateral relationship, including CPEC as well as economic cooperation. Reiterating support to China on its core issues, Prime Minister appreciated China’s unflinching support to Pakistan’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and socio-economic development. PM Shehbaz, Premier Li agree to celebrate Decade of CPEC this year to showcase success. He noted that China’s firm opposition to holding any G20 meeting in disputed region of Jammu and Kashmir was vivid reflection of China’s principled stance for upholding international law and United Nations resolutions. In his remarks, Premier Li said Pakistan-China friendship was unique and had withstood vicissitude of time due to deep fraternal ties between peoples of two nations. He added that as close neighbour and iron-brother, Pakistan occupied special position in China’s neighbourhood diplomacy and that China would continue its efforts for safeguarding Pakistan’s core interests and for economic development and prosperity of its people.

PM Shehbaz and Premier Li Qiang agreed to continue momentum of high level exchanges between Pakistan and China. PM invited Chinese premier to undertake visit to Pakistan at his earliest convenience which latter accepted.

Published in The Daily National Courier, June, 24 2023

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