PM Shehbaz calls for timely implementation of CPEC projects to boost China ties

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, acknowledging China’s continued support for Pakistan, stressed the need for timely implementation of the next phase of projects in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to strengthen bilateral economic ties between the two countries.

A press release, issued on Thursday from the Prime Minister’s Office said the premier highlighted the need in a meeting with Sun Haiyan, Vice Minister of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC).

The prime minister appreciated China’s generous support for Pakistan, especially under CPEC, the press release said.

It added that PM Shehbaz conveyed his best wishes to President Xi Jinping and the Chinese leadership, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to its strategic cooperative partnership with China. He said the bilateral relationship would remain ‘unwavering’ in all circumstances and reiterated Pakistan’s firm adherence to the One China policy.

The prime minister renewed his invitation to President Xi to undertake an official visit to Pakistan later this year, describing 2026 as a ‘milestone year’ for both countries.

The prime minister said, the Chinese delegation’s visit holds special significance as the two countries are marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2026.

He noted that the year began with a successful visit by Deputy PM and Foreign Minister, Senator Ishaq Dar to Beijing, followed by the interior minister’s visit to Shanghai. PM Shehbaz added that a visit by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq to China was also expected in the coming days.

Vice Minister Sun Haiyan thanked the prime minister for the warm reception and reaffirmed China’s commitment to further strengthening its ‘long-standing and time-tested relationship’ with Pakistan across all sectors.

The Chinese vice minister congratulated the prime minister on efforts to bring economic and political stability to the country and said the Chinese people took pride in Pakistan’s diplomatic achievements. The vice minister praised the prime minister’s leadership role in uniting political forces for improved governance.

Emphasising the importance of party-to-party ties, the Chinese official reiterated the CPC’s resolve to deepen cooperation with Pakistan’s political parties through institutional and inter-party mechanisms.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Syed Tariq Fatemi, Prime Minister’s Special Representative for China Zafaruddin Mahmood, and Foreign Secretary Amina Baloch also attended the meeting.