Prime Minister Shehbaz calls for timely implementation of CPEC projects to strengthen China ties

ISLAMABAD:

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

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

“In terms of economic partnership, the prime minister appreciated China’s generous assistance to Pakistan, especially under CPEC, and stressed the need for timely implementation of the next phase of CPEC,” the press release said.

It added that Prime Minister Shehbaz conveyed his best wishes to President Xi Jinping and the Chinese leadership, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to its “ironclad” strategic cooperative partnership with China. He said the bilateral relationship would remain “unwavering” under any 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 “milestone 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 the Home Minister’s visit to Shanghai. Prime Minister Shehbaz added that a visit by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq was also expected in China in the coming days.

Vice Minister Sun Haiyan thanked the Prime Minister for the warm welcome and reaffirmed China’s commitment to further strengthen its “long-standing and proven relationship” with Pakistan across all sectors.

Congratulating the Prime Minister for the efforts to bring economic and political stability to the country, she said the Chinese people were proud of Pakistan’s diplomatic achievements.

The Deputy Minister also noted that the CPC maintained strong links with Pakistan’s political parties and praised the Prime Minister’s leadership role in uniting political forces for improved governance.

The Chinese official stressed the importance of party-to-party ties and reiterated the CPC’s willingness to deepen cooperation with Pakistan’s political parties through institutional and inter-party mechanisms.

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