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

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday acknowledged China’s continued support to Pakistan and emphasized the need for timely implementation of the next phase of projects in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to strengthen bilateral economic ties.

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

“On economic partnership, the Prime Minister appreciated China’s generous assistance to Pakistan, especially under CPEC, and emphasized the need for timely implementation of the next phase of CPEC,” the press release said.

He added that Prime Minister Shehbaz conveyed his best wishes to President Xi Jinping and the Chinese leadership, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to its “strong” strategic cooperative partnership with China. He said the bilateral relationship will remain “unbreakable” under all circumstances and reiterated Pakistan’s “firm adherence” to the One China policy.

The prime minister renewed his invitation to President Xi Jinping to pay an official visit to Pakistan later this year, describing 2026 as a “historic year” for both countries.

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

He noted that the year began with a successful visit of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to Beijing, followed by Home Minister’s visit to Shanghai. Prime Minister Shehbaz added that a visit to China by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq is 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 strengthen its “long-standing and proven relationship” with Pakistan in all sectors.

He congratulated the prime minister on efforts to bring economic and political stability to the country and said the Chinese people were proud of Pakistan’s diplomatic achievements.

The deputy minister also noted that the CCP maintained strong relations with Pakistan’s political parties and praised the prime minister’s leadership role in joining political forces to improve governance.

Emphasizing the importance of cross-party ties, the Chinese official reiterated the CCP’s determination to deepen cooperation with Pakistan’s political parties through institutional and inter-party mechanisms.

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