Beijing: In a significant diplomatic engagement today, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held talks with Premier Li Qiang in Beijing, marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China. The discussions focused on strengthening the strategic partnership and reviewing the progress of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

According to Press Information Department, Prime Minister Sharif expressed gratitude for the warm reception and reaffirmed the importance of the Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership as a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy. He emphasized the mutual trust and strategic confidence underpinning the relationship, as well as a shared commitment to peace and development.

Both leaders reiterated their mutual support on core issues and highlighted CPEC’s role in transforming Pakistan’s socio-economic landscape. They expressed satisfaction with the growing cooperation in political, economic, and strategic areas, and agreed to implement the next phase of CPEC.

Prime Minister Sharif underscored the importance of translating the historic goodwill between the two nations into practical outcomes, emphasizing high-level exchanges and coordination to advance the partnership. He emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to the high-quality development of CPEC, focusing on industrialization, connectivity, agriculture, technology, and clean energy.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the significance of aligning China’s 15th Five-Year Plan with Pakistan’s Uraan development framework to accelerate development priorities. He appreciated China’s support for Pakistan’s development and economic stability, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to secure Chinese nationals and projects within its borders.

Emerging sectors such as space, artificial intelligence, and advanced technologies were also discussed, with Prime Minister Sharif noting the selection of Pakistani astronauts for China’s space station program as a testament to deepening cooperation.

The meeting concluded with both sides agreeing to maintain close coordination and accelerate project implementation, aiming to elevate the Pakistan-China partnership to a new phase of practical and high-quality cooperation. The meeting was attended by high-ranking Pakistani officials, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, among others.