Pakistan and China Strengthen Strategic Partnership at SCO Summit
Shanghai, China – Pakistan and China reaffirmed their “iron-clad and all-weather strategic cooperative partnership” during a high-level meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of State Summit, held from August 31 to September 1.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People to discuss enhancing bilateral cooperation and addressing key regional and global developments. The meeting highlighted the unique and unparalleled relationship between the two nations, emphasizing continued collaboration on strategic, economic, and regional matters.
PM Shehbaz expressed Pakistan’s commitment to the next phase of the upgraded China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which includes five new corridors, and praised China’s support for Pakistan’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and socio-economic development. He also congratulated President Xi on the SCO summit’s success and on the 80th anniversary of the World Anti-Fascist War.
President Xi assured continued Chinese support in economic growth and development, particularly as both countries advance the second phase of CPEC, focusing on Pakistan’s priority economic sectors.
Both leaders discussed China’s Global Governance, Development, Security, and Civilisation Initiatives, with PM Shehbaz affirming Pakistan’s support for multilateral efforts to promote regional peace, stability, and development.
PM Shehbaz extended a cordial invitation to President Xi for an official visit to Pakistan next year to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Pakistan-China diplomatic ties, further solidifying the long-standing partnership between the two nations.
