PM Shehbaz calls for timely implementation of CPEC projects to boost China ties | The Express Tribune

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday acknowledged China’s continued support for Pakistan and stressed the need for timely implementation of the next phase of projects in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to strengthen bilateral economic ties.

A press release from the Prime Minister’s Office said the premier highlighted the need in a meeting with Sun Haiyan, vice minister of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC).

“On economic partnership, the prime minister appreciated China’s generous assistance to Pakistan, especially under CPEC, and stressed the need for timely implementation of the next phase of CPEC,” the press release said.

It added that PM Shehbaz conveyed his best wishes to President Xi Jinping and the Chinese leadership, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to its “iron-clad” strategic cooperative partnership with China. He said the bilateral relationship would remain “unwavering” under all circumstances and reiterated Pakistan’s “firm adherence” to the One China policy.

The prime minister renewed his invitation to President Xi Jinping to undertake an official visit to Pakistan later this year, describing 2026 as a “milestone year” for both countries.

The prime minister said the Chinese delegation’s visit held special significance as the two countries were marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2026.

He noted that the year began with a successful visit by Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to Beijing, followed by the interior minister’s visit to Shanghai. PM Shehbaz added that a visit by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq to China was also expected in the coming days.

Vice Minister Sun Haiyan thanked the prime minister for the warm reception and reaffirmed China’s commitment to further strengthening its “long-standing and time-tested relationship” with Pakistan across all sectors.

She congratulated the prime minister on efforts to bring economic and political stability to the country and said the Chinese people took pride in Pakistan’s diplomatic achievements.

The vice minister also noted that the CPC maintained strong relations with Pakistan’s political parties and praised the prime minister’s leadership role in uniting political forces for improved governance.

Emphasising the importance of party-to-party ties, the Chinese official reiterated the CPC’s resolve to deepen cooperation with Pakistan’s political parties through institutional and inter-party mechanisms.

The meeting was also attended by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Syed Tariq Fatemi, Prime Minister’s Special Representative for China Zafaruddin Mahmood, and Foreign Secretary Amina Baloch.