China and Pakistan to Enhance CPEC, Propel Development in Next Phase
Published on: June 9, 2024.
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Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif recently met with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss the development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the completion of ongoing projects. The meeting was productive and highlighted the consensus between the two countries to prioritize the high-quality development of the CPEC.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif briefed President Xi on Pakistan’s economic reform policies, sustained growth, industrial development, agricultural modernization, and regional connectivity. He emphasized the critical role that the CPEC plays in Pakistan’s overall development and expressed Pakistan’s commitment to ensuring the project’s high-quality development. The prime minister also highlighted the importance of close coordination between Pakistan and China to align their development strategies.
The meeting took place at the historic Great Hall of the People, symbolizing the strong friendship and strategic ties between the two nations. It was the first meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz and President Xi since the prime minister assumed office in 2024.
Prime Minister Shehbaz thanked President Xi for the warm welcome and gracious hospitality extended to him and his delegation in China. He recalled President Xi’s historic visit to Pakistan in 2015, which marked the formal operationalization of the CPEC and ushered in a new era of bilateral relations.
The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership” and expressed their desire to deepen cooperation across various domains, including political, security, economic, trade, and people-to-people exchanges. They also discussed regional and global developments, including Afghanistan, Palestine, South Asia, and the human rights situation in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
Prime Minister Shehbaz commended President Xi’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Global Development Initiative (GDI), highlighting the CPEC as a flagship project of the BRI that has significantly contributed to Pakistan’s socio-economic development. He assured China of Pakistan’s commitment to the safety and security of Chinese nationals, projects, and institutions in Pakistan. The prime minister emphasized that Pakistan’s agenda for people-centric socio-economic development aligns with China’s concept of “shared prosperity.”
President Xi hosted a banquet in honor of Prime Minister Shehbaz, where they further discussed various matters of mutual interest.
Overall, the meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Xi Jinping reaffirmed the strong partnership between Pakistan and China and their commitment to the successful development of the CPEC.
Source: [UrduPoint](https://www.urdupoint.com)
