Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday reiterated his country’s full support for Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts, as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lauded Beijing’s unwavering backing for Islamabad’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and socioeconomic development.
The two leaders met at the Great Hall of the People following the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of State summit in Tianjin, with senior officials including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir in attendance.
According to a readout issued by Chinese state news agency Xinhua, President Xi said Beijing “supports Pakistan’s fight against terrorism and hopes Pakistan will take effective measures to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel, projects and institutions in Pakistan, creating a secure environment for bilateral cooperation.”
Xi further stressed that China backs Pakistan in safeguarding unity, focusing on economic growth, and strengthening national resilience.
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Highlighting future cooperation, Xi remarked, “China is ready to work with Pakistan to build the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor 2.0.”
In response, Prime Minister Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to advance the next phase of the upgraded CPEC framework, which includes five new corridors, and termed it essential for boosting bilateral trade and investment ties.
He described the multi-billion-dollar project as the “flagship” of President Xi’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), emphasising its role in forging a “Pakistan-China community with a shared future.”
Amid what Xi called “once-in-a-century global transformations,” the Chinese leader underscored the importance of a “robust China-Pakistan relationship” for peace and development in the wider region.
Separately, APP reported that both leaders exchanged views on key regional and international issues and agreed to maintain close coordination in multilateral forums.
Shehbaz also praised China’s leadership in promoting multilateralism, reiterating Pakistan’s support for Beijing’s landmark initiatives, including the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Governance Initiative and Global Civilisation Initiative.
