PM Shehbaz reaffirms commitment to close cooperation with China

ISLAMABAD (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to continue close cooperation with China, saying Pakistan-China iron friendship is a time-tested and all-weather strategic cooperative partnership.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office on Monday, the Prime Minister was talking to Liu Haisheng, Minister of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, who called on him.

Welcoming Liu Haisheng and his delegation, the Prime Minister said the friendship between Pakistan and China is built on mutual trust, respect and deep people-to-people linkages.

He emphasized the importance of sustained political contacts and inter-party exchanges to further strengthen bilateral relations. He appreciated the important role of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China in promoting institutional linkages and cooperation between the political leaderships of both countries.

The Prime Minister lauded the shared desire of both countries to promote cooperation in various fields including trade, investment, regional connectivity, infrastructure development, information technology and innovation in agriculture.

Liu Haisheng conveyed good wishes from the Chinese leadership to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and reaffirmed China’s commitment to further deepen the long-standing friendship with Pakistan. He expressed satisfaction over the ongoing progress in high-level contacts and inter-party exchanges between the two countries aimed at further strengthening the iron friendship.

Both leaders exchanged views on regional and global affairs and reaffirmed their resolve to maintain close contacts and cooperation at bilateral and multilateral fora.

The Prime Minister also hosted a dinner in honour of the distinguished guest and his accompanying Chinese delegation.