Beijing: Pakistan and China have reaffirmed their shared resolve to further strengthen their iron-clad, all-weather strategic cooperative partnership. This affirmation came during a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Beijing on Thursday.

According to Radio Pakistan, during their meeting, the two leaders expressed satisfaction at the positive trajectory of Pakistan-China relations. Prime Minister Sharif expressed his gratitude to the Chinese leadership for their support of Pakistan’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and socio-economic development. He praised China’s transformation under President Xi Jinping’s leadership and emphasized Pakistan’s desire to emulate China’s successes.

Prime Minister Sharif noted the promising results of the government’s reform efforts, crediting China’s support. He revealed Pakistan’s intention to float Panda Bonds in the Chinese capital market soon. On the economic front, he highlighted the contribution of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a key part of President Xi’s Belt and Road Initiative, to Pakistan’s development over the past decade.

Both leaders agreed to work closely on the next phase of CPEC 2.0, which includes five new corridors. Emphasizing potential for business cooperation and investment, Sharif discussed the B2B Investment Conference with Premier Li, attended by over 300 Pakistani and 500 Chinese companies, focusing on areas such as agriculture, mines and minerals, textile, and IT.

Prime Minister Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s support for President Xi’s initiatives to enhance multilateralism, including the Global Governance Initiative and Global Development Initiative. Both countries plan to celebrate the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations next year.

The meeting concluded with both leaders attending a ceremony for the signing and announcement of Memorandums of Understanding and agreements related to CPEC 2.0, science and technology, IT, media, and agriculture.