On Thursday, Shehbaz Sharif, the prime minister of Pakistan, and Li Qiang, his Chinese counterpart, spoke by phone to discuss bilateral cooperation in important areas, including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The Pakistani premier reportedly expressed confidence in China’s peaceful development as a favourable factor for world peace and stability, according to state-run broadcaster Radio Pakistan.
Additionally, he offered his heartfelt congratulations to the Chinese premier on his recent election to a position of great power.
Both leaders were pleased with the excellent state of bilateral relations and discussed the advancements made on a number of Pakistan-China initiatives, including the CPEC, during their conversation.
The Chinese premier reaffirmed that his nation would continue to stand with Pakistan as an all-weather ally and support its national development, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
Shehbaz Sharif also reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering backing of China in relation to its concerns, such as the One China policy, Taiwan, Tibet, Xinjiang, Hong Kong, and the South China Sea.
He added that Pakistan was sincerely appreciative of China’s principled stance on the Jammu and Kashmir conflict and other important issues.
Shehbaz Sharif described the discussion as “comprehensive and productive” in a tweet, noting that they had covered bilateral, regional, and global topics of interest.
Had a comprehensive & productive telephone call with Chinese Premier Li Qiang this morning. We discussed bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest. Pakistan appreciates China’s peaceful development as a positive factor ensuring international peace and stability.…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) April 27, 2023
In order to achieve more win-win outcomes, he also reviewed the development of Pakistan-China initiatives, including the CPEC.
The region is currently dealing with a number of challenges, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions. The reaffirmation of close ties between Pakistan and China comes at this time.
The CPEC, a centrepiece project of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, is viewed as a key component in enhancing regional connectivity and deepening economic ties between the two nations.
