Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held an “extensive” call with Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang on Monday in which he confirmed the government’s “firm decision” to speed up China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects.
A statement issued by the Office of the Prime Minister (PMO) said PM Shehbaz expressed the government’s commitment to accelerate ongoing projects and new CPEC projects “that have made significant contributions to Pakistan’s social and economic development”.
He highlighted the need for both sides to work together and increase cooperation between the relevant agencies of the two countries in order to fully utilize the special economic zones (SEZs) as soon as possible.
“While remembering the cooperation between the Pakistani and Chinese cities, the prime minister expressed his desire to learn from the experience of these Chinese officials who have always been instrumental in establishing SEZs in their provinces,” the statement said.
PM Shehbaz reiterated his commitment to work with renewed zeal and enthusiasm in line with China, especially on the most important strategic projects of both countries, such as the ML-1 project.
He thanked the neighboring country for its strong support for “the governance of Pakistan, globalization and national development and ensured the unwavering support of the Chinese government in all matters of interest.”
The two leaders also discussed the issues of the two countries in detail, agreeing that Pakistan and China will not allow anyone to damage the long-standing relations between the two countries.
‘Government intends to take steps to strengthen the security of Chinese citizens’
During the phone call, PM Shehbaz expressed his condolences to the government and people of China on the death of three Chinese students in a suicide bombing at the University of Karachi on April 26.
“The prime minister has strongly condemned the terrorist attacks and confirmed that Pakistan is determined to seize them [a] Investigate, arrest and prosecute the perpetrators and bring them to justice, ”the statement said.
He reiterated that Pakistan adhered to the highest priority for the safety, security and safety of all Chinese nationals working in Pakistan on economic projects and institutions and assured Prime Minister Li that the government was committed to taking the necessary steps to strengthen their security and security in Pakistan. .
Emphasizing human-to-human communication, PM Shehbaz also expressed the feelings of the families of Pakistani students who want to return to China to continue their studies.
“Prime Minister Li has assured the Chinese Premier that it is committed to strengthening economic cooperation, expanding trade and encouraging greater investment from China to Pakistan,” the PMO said.
Prime Minister Shehbaz and Prime Minister Li shared the view that “Pakistan-China all climate co-operation” should continue to serve the basic needs of the people of the two countries, and the broader interest in peace and stability between the changing region. and the state of the world.
To date, the two leaders have agreed to step up their exchange efforts to take cooperation between the two countries to a higher level, the report said.
