The conversation was marked by traditional warmth and cordiality that has been the hallmark of Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership.
During the meeting, the two leaders held an in-depth discussion on the entire gamut of bilateral relationship, including CPEC as well as economic cooperation.
PM Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Qiang met in Paris on Friday, and they decided to celebrate the Decade of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) this year to show off its accomplishments.
The gathering took place nearby the Summit for a New Global Financial Pact. Since Premier Li took office in March of this year, it was their first encounter in person. The two sides expressed their satisfaction with the steady progress of CPEC projects in Pakistan, acknowledged the importance of CPEC for Pakistan’s socioeconomic development, and reaffirmed their firm commitment to working together to achieve the project’s common goals for the two nations.
Reiterating support to China on its core issues, the prime minister appreciated China’s unflinching support to Pakistan’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and socio-economic development.
He noted that China’s firm opposition to holding any G20 meeting in the disputed region of Jammu and Kashmir was a vivid reflection of China’s principled stance for upholding international law and the United Nations resolutions.
In his remarks, Premier Li said the Pakistan-China friendship was unique and had withstood the vicissitude of time due to deep fraternal ties between the peoples of the two nations.
He added that as a close neighbour and iron-brother, Pakistan occupied a special position in China’s neighbourhood diplomacy and that China would continue its efforts for safeguarding Pakistan’s core interests and for the economic development and prosperity of its people.
Prime Minister Shehbaz and Premier Li Qiang agreed to continue the momentum of high level exchanges between Pakistan and China.
The prime minister invited the Chinese premier to undertake a visit to Pakistan at his earliest convenience which the latter accepted.
