ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese President Xi Jinping in their meeting reaffirmed consensus on upgrading the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and pursuing high-quality development of the multi-billion dollar project in the second phase. Is.
The two leaders held in-depth discussions on Friday at Beijing's historic Great Hall of the People during Sharif's five-day official visit that began on June 4.
Both the leaders were accompanied by ministers and senior officials. This was Sharif's first meeting with President Xi after assuming office in 2024.
According to state media, the two leaders agreed to advance the upgrade of CPEC and the development of the mega project in the second phase.CPEC, which connects Gwadar port in Pakistan's Balochistan with China's Xinjiang province, is the flagship project of China's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
The BRI is seen as an effort by China to expand its influence abroad with infrastructure projects funded by Chinese investment around the world.
China has invested billions in various power projects and road networks in Pakistan under the US$65 billion CPEC plan, but implementation of various projects has slowed down in recent months.
The Associated Press of Pakistan reported that Prime Minister Sharif briefed President Xi on Pakistan's policies for economic recovery and sustained growth, industrial development, agricultural modernization and regional connectivity and the important role played by CPEC in Pakistan's development.
The Prime Minister recalled President Xi Jinping's historic visit to Pakistan in 2015 when CPEC was formally commissioned, marking a new chapter in bilateral relations.He stressed Pakistan's commitment to promote synergy between the development strategies of the two countries through high-quality development of CPEC and close coordination.
Lauding President Xi's Belt and Road Initiative and the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Prime Minister underlined that as the flagship project of the BRI, CPEC has significantly contributed to Pakistan's socio-economic development.
He underlined that the government's agenda for people-centric, socio-economic development is in line with the concept of 'shared prosperity' adopted by China.
The two leaders reaffirmed the time-honored 'All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership' and expressed their resolve to further deepen cooperation in various fields ranging from political and security to economic, trade and people-to-people exchanges.
They also exchanged views on regional and global developments, including Afghanistan, Palestine and South Asia, including Kashmir.President Xi Jinping also hosted a banquet in honor of the Prime Minister, where another round of discussions were held on various matters of mutual interest.
Radio Pakistan reported that in the meeting, Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to the security of Chinese nationals, projects and institutions in Pakistan.
Both sides reiterated their long-standing support for issues of core interest to each other.
The two leaders held in-depth discussions on Friday at Beijing's historic Great Hall of the People during Sharif's five-day official visit that began on June 4.
Both the leaders were accompanied by ministers and senior officials. This was Sharif's first meeting with President Xi after assuming office in 2024.
According to state media, the two leaders agreed to advance the upgrade of CPEC and the development of the mega project in the second phase.CPEC, which connects Gwadar port in Pakistan's Balochistan with China's Xinjiang province, is the flagship project of China's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
The BRI is seen as an effort by China to expand its influence abroad with infrastructure projects funded by Chinese investment around the world.
China has invested billions in various power projects and road networks in Pakistan under the US$65 billion CPEC plan, but implementation of various projects has slowed down in recent months.
The Associated Press of Pakistan reported that Prime Minister Sharif briefed President Xi on Pakistan's policies for economic recovery and sustained growth, industrial development, agricultural modernization and regional connectivity and the important role played by CPEC in Pakistan's development.
The Prime Minister recalled President Xi Jinping's historic visit to Pakistan in 2015 when CPEC was formally commissioned, marking a new chapter in bilateral relations.He stressed Pakistan's commitment to promote synergy between the development strategies of the two countries through high-quality development of CPEC and close coordination.
Lauding President Xi's Belt and Road Initiative and the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Prime Minister underlined that as the flagship project of the BRI, CPEC has significantly contributed to Pakistan's socio-economic development.
He underlined that the government's agenda for people-centric, socio-economic development is in line with the concept of 'shared prosperity' adopted by China.
The two leaders reaffirmed the time-honored 'All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership' and expressed their resolve to further deepen cooperation in various fields ranging from political and security to economic, trade and people-to-people exchanges.
They also exchanged views on regional and global developments, including Afghanistan, Palestine and South Asia, including Kashmir.President Xi Jinping also hosted a banquet in honor of the Prime Minister, where another round of discussions were held on various matters of mutual interest.
Radio Pakistan reported that in the meeting, Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to the security of Chinese nationals, projects and institutions in Pakistan.
Both sides reiterated their long-standing support for issues of core interest to each other.
