ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif assured China’s Premier Li Qiang of Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to safeguarding Chinese nationals and projects during a meeting at the PM House on Monday. This engagement marks a continuation of high-level dialogue aimed at bolstering cooperation across various sectors.
Premier Li’s visit to Pakistan, which includes attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit on October 15 and 16, comes in the wake of a tragic explosion targeting foreign nationals outside Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport, which resulted in the deaths of two Chinese citizens. In response, Beijing has called for a thorough investigation into the incident.
The Chinese embassy in Pakistan condemned the attack and expressed condolences to the victims and their families, reaffirming their commitment to collaborate with Pakistani authorities in addressing the aftermath.
During their discussions, both leaders addressed all facets of their bilateral relationship, focusing on regional and global issues of mutual concern. They expressed satisfaction with the ongoing strengthening of the Pakistan-China strategic cooperative partnership, rooted in mutual trust and shared principles.
Both nations reiterated their support for each other on core issues and emphasized the importance of advancing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Phase 2. They highlighted the need for the timely completion of ongoing projects in key sectors such as industry, agricultural modernization, information technology, and science, which are crucial for Pakistan’s socio-economic development.
Additionally, the leaders discussed strategies for relocating Chinese industries to Pakistan and enhancing Chinese investment in the country. They agreed to maintain close consultations on significant regional and global matters, reinforcing their commitment to collaboration in multilateral forums.