On Monday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke by phone with his Chinese counterpart, Li Keqiang.
Both presidents agreed that the Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership must continue to serve the vital interests of the two countries’ peoples and the larger goals of peace and stability in an ever-changing regional and global environment.
The two Premiers also discussed bilateral issues, saying that neither Pakistan nor China would allow anybody to jeopardize the two countries’ time-tested All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership.
The two parties decided to increase the pace of interactions to push bilateral cooperation to new heights.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s determination to accelerate existing and new projects under the transformative China-Pakistan Economic Corridor for the country’s socio-economic growth.
He stated that the CPEC has significantly contributed to Pakistan’s socio-economic development and its high-quality development.
The Prime Minister emphasized the need for both sides to work together and strengthen collaboration between the two nations’ relevant authorities to operationalize the Special Economic Zones as soon as possible fully.
Premier Li promised Shehbaz Sharif of China’s willingness to strengthen economic ties, develop trade, and promote larger Chinese investment in Pakistan.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif underlined his commitment to cooperating with China with renewed energy and excitement, particularly on initiatives of strategic importance to both nations, such as the ML-1 project.
He expressed condolences and strongly denounced the terrorist incident at Karachi University, reiterating Pakistan’s determination to conduct a comprehensive investigation, capture the criminals, and bring them to justice in line with our laws.
He reaffirmed that Islamabad places the highest priority on the safety, security, and protection of all Chinese people working in Pakistan’s economic projects and institutions.
The Prime Minister told Prime Minister Li that his government is committed to implementing all essential security and safety measures in Pakistan.
The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to China for its steadfast support for Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national development and reaffirmed his government’s unshakable support for China on all topics of mutual concern.
