PM Shehbaz Sharif and Xi Jinping meet, new Pak-China cooperation agreements

During Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to China, Pakistan and China have reaffirmed their commitment to further expand bilateral relations, enhance economic cooperation and promote peace and stability in the region.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in China on a four-day official visit where he held important meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang in Beijing. Trade, investment, CPEC, technology, agriculture, environment and regional situation were discussed in detail during the meetings.

During the meeting held at the Great Hall of the People, President Xi Jinping described Pakistan as a reliable friend of China and said that the two countries have set a strong example of mutual trust and cooperation for decades.

The Chinese President appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts for peace in the region and said that China will continue to work with Pakistan for common development and stability.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, on this occasion, described Pakistan-China relations as an “iron friendship” and said that cooperation between the two countries has become stronger over time. He appreciated China’s economic development and global role and said that CPEC is playing an important role in Pakistan’s economic development.

During the meetings, 15 agreements and memorandums of understanding were also signed between the two countries in various sectors. These include cooperation in trade, agriculture, climate change, education, media, science and technology, and counter-terrorism.

Pakistan and China also agreed to further enhance cooperation in the next phase of CPEC, industrial development, digital economy, clean energy, and connectivity.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked the Chinese leadership and said that Pakistan considers its relations with China an important pillar of its foreign policy.

During the visit, the Prime Minister also met with representatives of Chinese companies, in which investment and business cooperation were discussed.

According to analysts, this visit is being described as an important step in further strengthening the economic and strategic partnership between the two countries.