Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif has said that he is deeply grateful to the Chinese leadership especially President Xi Jinping for supporting Pakistan’s efforts to establish peace in the region. He said Pakistan will continue to play a positive and constructive role for regional stability and ceasefire.
A grand welcoming ceremony was held for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing where Chinese Premier Li Qiang warmly received him. Both leaders shook hands and expressed commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations.
During the ceremony the national anthems of both countries were played while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was presented a guard of honor by a smartly dressed contingent of the Chinese armed forces. High level delegations from both countries also introduced their members and discussed cooperation in different sectors.
Detailed delegation level talks were held between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Qiang covering economic cooperation CPEC projects regional developments and investment opportunities.
In his speech Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked the Chinese leadership and said that visiting China is always a pleasure for him because every visit reflects development and modern progress. He also expressed sorrow over the recent explosion in a coal mine in China’s Shanxi province and showed solidarity with the affected families.
He said Pakistan and China are currently celebrating 75 years of diplomatic friendship and this relationship is the result of the vision of the founding leaders which both countries continue to strengthen.
The Prime Minister said the world is passing through a sensitive period especially due to the worrying situation in the Gulf region. However Pakistan has always played a constructive role in promoting peace. He added that Pakistan also made efforts to reduce tensions between the United States and Iran.
Shehbaz Sharif said he fully supports President Xi Jinping’s four point peace agenda and stressed that Pakistan and China must continue working together for lasting peace in the region.
He further said recent global crises have affected economies around the world including Pakistan therefore international cooperation and the promotion of peace are extremely important.
On the other hand Chinese Premier Li Qiang said Pakistan has always maintained close coordination and played an important role in protecting shared interests. He said Pakistan has played a positive role in promoting regional peace and China is committed to expanding cooperation with Pakistan.
He also said President Xi Jinping will meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif today and the meeting will help deepen bilateral relations and give a new direction to strategic cooperation between the two countries.
