Shehbaz Sharif and Xi Jinping Reaffirm Commitment to CPEC and Bilateral Cooperation

1. Title Shehbaz Sharif and Xi Jinping Reaffirm Commitment to CPEC & Bilateral Cooperation In a productive meeting held on Friday at the historic Great Hall of the People, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed their commitment to the high- quality development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the timely completion of ongoing projects. The leaders agreed to upgrade CPEC and advance its second phase, marking a significant step in strengthening the already robust bilateral ties between Pakistan and China. Commitment to Economic and Regional Development During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif briefed President Xi on Pakistan’s comprehensive policies aimed at economic reform, industrial development, agricultural modernization, and enhancing regional connectivity. He emphasized the critical role that CPEC plays in Pakistan's development strategy, highlighting its potential to transform the country's economic landscape. Shehbaz underscored Pakistan's commitment to fostering synergy between the development strategies of the two nations through close coordination. Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed gratitude for the warm welcome extended to him and his delegation, recalling President Xi’s historic visit to Pakistan in 2015. That visit marked the formal operationalization of CPEC, which has since become a cornerstone of Pakistan-China relations, facilitating numerous infrastructure and energy projects that have significantly contributed to Pakistan’s socio-economic development. The leaders discussed ways to enhance the "All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership" and agreed on the necessity of deepening cooperation across various domains, including political, security, economic, trade, and people-to-people exchanges. They also exchanged views on regional and global developments, with particular attention to the situations in Afghanistan, Palestine, and South Asia, including the human rights issues in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Advancing the Belt and Road Initiative Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended President Xi’s visionary Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Global Development Initiative (GDI), noting the significant contributions that CPEC, as a flagship project of BRI, has made to Pakistan's socio-economic landscape. He reiterated Pakistan's commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Chinese nationals, projects, and institutions within the country, an assurance that underscores the depth of the strategic partnership between the two nations.

2. Shehbaz highlighted how Pakistan's agenda for people-centric socio-economic development aligns with China’s concept of 'shared prosperity,' reflecting a mutual understanding and commitment to uplift the socio-economic conditions of their respective populations. He emphasized that the second phase of CPEC would focus on industrial cooperation, agricultural modernization, science and technology, and socio-economic development, thereby expanding the scope and impact of this vital partnership. President Xi Jinping, reflecting on the deep-rooted friendship between Pakistan and China, expressed his appreciation for Pakistan's unwavering support on issues concerning China’s core interests. He reiterated China's support for Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national development. Both leaders acknowledged the importance of maintaining close strategic communication to address regional and global challenges effectively. Strengthening Strategic Ties and Mutual Support The meeting was attended by federal ministers and senior officials from both sides, underscoring the high level of importance both countries place on their bilateral relationship. This was Prime Minister Shehbaz's first meeting with President Xi since assuming office in 2024, and it was marked by the traditional warmth and mutual respect that characterize Pakistan-China relations. Both leaders reaffirmed their resolve to continue supporting each other's core interests and to work together in addressing challenges and opportunities in the region and beyond. The discussions also touched on enhancing trade and investment, with an emphasis on creating a more favorable environment for businesses from both countries. In recognition of the significant progress made through CPEC, Prime Minister Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan's commitment to the high-quality development of the corridor, ensuring that it continues to play a pivotal role in the economic upliftment of the region. He noted that the second phase of CPEC would not only focus on infrastructure but also on industrial, agricultural, and technological advancements, thereby broadening the scope of cooperation and development. President Xi hosted a banquet in honor of Prime Minister Shehbaz, providing another opportunity for the leaders to discuss matters of mutual interest in a more informal setting. The event further strengthened the camaraderie between the two leaders and highlighted the enduring and multifaceted nature of the Pakistan-China partnership. The meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Xi Jinping marked a reaffirmation of their commitment to deepening the strategic partnership between Pakistan and

3. China. The focus on advancing CPEC and enhancing cooperation across various domains underscores the strong bilateral relationship that continues to thrive on the foundations of mutual respect, shared goals, and unwavering support.