PM requests funding for the government’s solar power initiative and alternative energy sources from Chinese business leaders. China and Pakistan Xi accept a request to travel to Islamabad shortly.
ISLAMABAD:
On Wednesday, China gave Pakistan its assurance that it would continue to support the nation’s long-term economic and strategic initiatives, including the expansion of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the Main Line-1 (ML-1) rail line, as well as a new package of assistance worth RMB 500 million for flood relief efforts.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang reportedly made these assurances during separate meetings with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif at the People’s Great Hall in Beijing, according to the Prime Minister Office (PMO).
Prime Minister Sharif returned to his country on Wednesday night after his two-day first visit to China was over.
Discussion with President Xi
In their discussion with President Xi, the two leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to the CPEC and decided that, in order to start ML-1 as an early harvest project within the CPEC framework, both nations will work together.
They also agreed to complete all the necessary paperwork for the early opening of the Karachi Circular Railway, acknowledging the need for a public transit project in Karachi.
At the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, Mr. Sharif congratulated President Xi on his reelection as the party’s general secretary. He also praised him for China’s important support of Pakistan’s rescue, recovery, and reconstruction efforts following the destruction brought on by the nation’s catastrophic floods.
The two leaders discussed regional and global problems of shared interest as well as the development of Sino-Pak bilateral relations
They reaffirmed their commitment to the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries that has withstood the test of time. The two nations have stood firmly side by side in realizing their shared vision of peace, stability, development and prosperity.
The friendship between Pakistan and China
The friendship between Pakistan and China, which enjoys complete support from all political parties in Pakistan, was emphasized by Prime Minister Sharif as a role model for inter-state relations.
The prime minister said Pakistan took inspiration from China’s socioeconomic development and national resolve to the country’s progress and prosperity while paying thanks to President Xi’s leadership for China’s success and his vision for developing bilateral relationships.
The two leaders talked about ways to work together on a variety of areas, including defence, trade and investment, agriculture, health, and disaster preparedness.
President Xi kindly accepted the invitation the prime minister issued to him for a soon-to-be-scheduled visit to Pakistan.
Getting along with Chinese counterpart
In a meeting, PM Sharif and his Chinese colleague Li Keqiang decided to expand the CPEC in addition to assuring the prompt completion of projects related to the corridor.
Additionally, the two sides held delegation-level discussions presided over by their respective leaders.
Additionally, PM Sharif met with Li Zhanshu, chairman of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, to discuss bilateral issues and mutual cooperation.
Chinese companies are urged to invest
The PM also met with top Chinese businesses, which showed a strong interest in funding Pakistani infrastructure projects related to water, solar energy, and other areas.
The PMO reported that the prime minister gave a speech at the event and urged Chinese business leaders to Pakistan to invest in the nation’s extensive solar energy initiative, which aims to produce 10,000 megawatts of electricity. Additionally, he promoted Chinese investment in Pakistan’s renewable energy sources, such as wind farms.
The Chinese corporations promised to complete the infrastructure of the Gwadar International Airport by the beginning of next year, but Mr. Sharif insisted on its completion as soon as possible.
Additionally, PM Sharif stated during a meeting with Chinese investors and executives that the government has settled all outstanding debts owed to enterprises since taking office in April.
prioritizing foreign policy
Later, the Chinese side emphasized in a joint statement that it would always give relations with Pakistan top priority in its foreign policy
Pakistan also emphasized its support for the concerns of Taiwan, the South China Sea, Hong Kong, Xinjiang, and Tibet as well as its commitment to the One-China Policy. The Chinese side reiterated its support for Pakistan’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and security as well as for its socioeconomic growth and prosperity.