BEIJING: Pakistan and China reached a broad consensus on strengthening bilateral relations, enhancing strategic coordination and expanding cooperation across multiple sectors, according to a joint statement issued on Tuesday following Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s four-day visit to China.
The statement said both countries agreed to promote the high-quality development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) 2.0 and welcomed the participation of third parties in future projects under mutually agreed arrangements.
During the visit, Prime Minister Shehbaz met Chinese President Xi Jinping, while Chinese Premier Li Qiang held formal talks with the Pakistani premier. Both sides discussed bilateral ties as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest.
The two countries described their friendship as a “strategic asset” that has remained strong despite changing regional and global circumstances. They also agreed to accelerate efforts aimed at building a closer China-Pakistan Community with a Shared Future in the New Era under the 2025-2029 action plan.
Furthermore, both sides pledged to maintain high-level exchanges, deepen political trust, strengthen defence and security cooperation and enhance coordination on international affairs.
Pakistan reaffirmed support for the one-China principle and reiterated that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China’s territory. Islamabad also expressed support for China’s positions on Xinjiang, Xizang, Hong Kong and the South China Sea. In return, China reaffirmed support for Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and development.
The statement added that Pakistan assured China of enhanced security measures for Chinese nationals and projects operating in the country, while Beijing supported Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts.
Both countries also agreed to strengthen Gwadar Port, improve regional connectivity, expand Belt and Road cooperation and work together on global artificial intelligence governance initiatives.
