BEIJING: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday, just days before Pakistan presents its budget for the next financial year and seeks a renewal of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan program.
“China will, as always, firmly support Pakistan and safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Xi told Shehbaz Sharif.
According to Chinese media, Xi Jinping emphasized the enduring nature of the two countries’ strategic partnership and pledged support for Pakistan’s economic and social development.
The two leaders during the meeting also affirmed consensus on up-gradation of the CPEC and advancing the development of the mega project in the second phase.
The prime minister briefed President Xi on policies of the Pakistani government for economic reforms and sustained growth, agricultural modernization, industrial development, regional connectivity and the critical role played by the CPEC in the development of Pakistan.
He said Pakistan is committed to high-quality development of the CPEC and to foster synergy between the development strategies of the two friendly states through close coordination.
The two leaders were accompanied by the federal ministers and senior officials during the meeting held at the historic Great Hall of the People.
The prime minister thanked President Xi Jinping for the warm and gracious welcome accorded to him and his delegation in China.
The two leaders expressed the resolve to further enhance cooperation across diverse domains ranging from political and security to trade, economic and people-to- people exchanges.
They also exchanged views on regional and international developments, including Afghanistan, South Asia and Palestine besides the serious human rights situation in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
Commending President Xi’s visionary Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Global Development Initiative (GDI), the PM underscored that as the flagship project of BRI, the China Pakistan Economic Corridor had significantly contributed to Pakistan’s socio-economic development.
He expressed Pakistan’s commitment and full support for safety and security of the Chinese nationals, institutions and projects in Pakistan.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is on a five-day official visit to China from June 4 to 8, following an invitation from President Xi Jinping. The visit aims to enhance collaboration within the multi-billion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which constitutes a crucial component of Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Earlier on Thursday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, while addressing Pakistani and Chinese business leaders in Beijing, reaffirmed his determination to follow the blueprint of Chinese development as a guiding principle for national advancement.
“If we follow the Chinese model, I have no doubt, Pakistan will regain its position in the comity of nations and will be respected like our Chinese brothers are done by friends and foes… We will follow your model, work hard untiringly, put in our sweat and blood, and make Pakistan a great country,” the premier said while addressing the 4th Pakistan-China Friendship and Business Reception here.
Prime Minister Shehbaz pledged to adopt President Xi Jinping’s vision for progress and prosperity, citing China’s remarkable achievements such as the Belt and Road Initiative and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
Pakistan expected to seek around $6 billion in IMF assistance following the budget announcement. Its substantial debt to China, totaling approximately $27 billion according to World Bank data, will be a focal point in the negotiations.
The IMF initiated discussions on the new loan after Pakistan successfully completed a previous $3 billion program.
— Xi's Moments (@XisMoments) June 7, 2024
Had the honor of meeting President Xi Jinping at the iconic Great Hall of People in Beijing. We discussed various dimensions of the multi faceted Pakistan-China relationship and reaffirmed our longstanding and steadfast friendship, All-Weather Strategic cooperation, economic and… pic.twitter.com/BvclI1JtIg
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) June 7, 2024
