Imran Khan, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, met with Chinese President Xi Jinping at Beijing’s Great Hall of People.
This was the two leaders’ first encounter since the premier’s visit to China in October 2019, and they discussed the full range of Pakistan-China bilateral relations as well as regional and global topics of mutual importance in a warm tone.
Both premiers pledged to expand institutional ties at all levels, solidifying the two nations’ strategic, diplomatic, and economic ties.
PM Imran Khan commended China’s government and people on the successful hosting of the 24th Olympic Winter Games in Beijing, and wished the Chinese lunar New Year all the best. China is Pakistan’s unwavering partner, ardent supporter, and Iron Brother, he said.
The Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership has survived the test of time, and the two countries have worked side by side to realise their shared ideals of peace, stability, growth, and prosperity.
PM Khan addressed President Xi on his government’s initiatives for Pakistan’s sustained growth, industrial development, agricultural modernization, and regional connectivity, as well as a people-centered geo-economics vision.
He praised China’s continuing support and aid for Pakistan’s socioeconomic growth, which has benefited immensely from the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor’s (CPEC) high-quality development.
Increased Chinese investments in Phase-II of the CPEC, which is focused on industrialization and improving people’s livelihoods, were also praised by the PM.
Both leaders agreed that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan would encourage regional economic development and connectivity, and they urged the international community to help the Afghan people avoid a humanitarian disaster as soon as possible.
Both leaders were pleased to sign a number of agreements relating to economic cooperation, space cooperation, and vaccine collaboration.
Both leaders underlined their commitment to establishing the Pakistan-China Community for a Shared Future in the New Era. PM Khan also extended to President Xi an invitation to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience.
After returning home, the PM tweeted he had had a “great meeting” with the Chinese president. “We agreed to further enhance our strategic and economic relations and to fast track the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC),” he said.
To read our blog on “Prime Minister’s visit to China will attract investment in CPEC projects,” click here.
