PM reaffirms resolve to ensure success of CPEC next phase

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan's resolve to ensure success of next phase of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which focuses on key sectors including agriculture, information technology, industry, and mining.

He was talking to a high-level Chinese delegation, led by Vice Chairman of Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Cai Dafeng, in Islamabad today.

The delegation is visiting Pakistan to participate in celebrations marking 75th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

The Prime Minister lauded role of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor as a game-changer for Pakistan's socio-economic development.

He said Pakistan and China, over the past 75 years, have established a unique bond of friendship, anchored in mutual trust and strategic convergence on issues of bilateral and regional significance.

The Prime Minister conveyed his warm greetings to President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and the Chinese people on the occasion of 75th anniversary. He reiterated Pakistan's full support for China's core interests, while expressing appreciation for China's continued support for Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In the context of the regional situation, the Prime Minister appreciated China's constructive role in promoting peace and stability in South Asia and in the Middle East, and reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to regional harmony and multilateral cooperation.

Vice Chairman Cai Dafeng thanked the Prime Minister for warm welcome extended to him and his delegation, and reciprocated the greetings on 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

While expressing Chinese leadership's strong commitment to further strengthening Pakistan-China relations, the Vice Chairman said that China will continue to support Pakistan.

The visiting dignitary added that China fully supports Pakistan's role in ongoing regional peace efforts and would continue to play its part in maintaining global peace and stability.

Both sides underscored uniqueness of the Pakistan-China ironclad brotherhood as a vital pillar of peace, development, and stability in the region.