By Anzal Amin
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday emphasised the need for sustained political engagement and party-to-party exchanges to further strengthen Pakistan-China relations, describing the bilateral partnership as ironclad, time-tested and all-weather.
The prime minister expressed these views during a meeting with Minister of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC), Liu Haixing, who called on him along with a delegation here, a Prime Minister’s Office news release said.
Welcoming the Chinese dignitary and his delegation, the prime minister said Pakistan-China friendship was founded on mutual trust, mutual respect and deep-rooted bonds between the peoples of the two countries.
He appreciated the important role played by the IDCPC in strengthening institutional linkages and promoting cooperation between the political leadership of Pakistan and China.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to working closely with China, the prime minister highlighted the shared focus on expanding bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, connectivity, infrastructure development, information technology and agricultural modernisation.
He underscored that continued political-level engagement and institutional cooperation were essential to advancing the longstanding strategic partnership between the two countries.
Liu Haixing conveyed the greetings of the Chinese leadership to the prime minister and reaffirmed China’s commitment to further deepening its longstanding friendship with Pakistan.
He also appreciated the positive momentum in high-level engagements and party-to-party exchanges aimed at further strengthening bilateral relations.
The two sides also exchanged views on regional and international developments and reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining close coordination and cooperation at bilateral and multilateral forums.
The prime minister also hosted a banquet in honour of the visiting Chinese dignitary and his accompanying delegation.
