Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Beijing &Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif agreed to protect the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) from critics and enemies, according to the Foreign Office (FO).
It was concluded in a meeting of both leaders held in Shanghai .
During a weekly press briefing, FO spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said that the two leaders held talks at the final day of PM Shehbaz’s five-day visit to China.
This is Shehbaz’s first trip to China after the February 8 elections, and it is likely to mark the start of CPEC’s second phase.
Because of this visit, the annual federal budget presentation has been delayed from the first week of June to June 12.
In their talks, PM Shehbaz and Premier Li Qiang showed strong commitment to defending CPEC from its detractors.
They reaffirmed their support for each other on key issues and promised to ensure the timely completion of ongoing CPEC projects.
The leaders emphasized the deep trust and shared principles that characterized the Pakistan-China partnership.
PM Shehbaz also reassured China of Pakistan’s commitment to the safety and security of Chinese personnel and projects in Pakistan.
The two nations agreed to maintain high-level exchanges and strengthen cooperation in various areas.
They will continue to consult on important regional and global issues, especially during Pakistan’s tenure as a non-member of the United Nations Security Council.
A total of 23 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements were signed to enhance cooperation in areas such as transport, industry, energy, agriculture, media, health, water, and socio-economic development.
PM Shehbaz will also visit Xi’an to meet with local leaders and businesspeople in the agriculture and green energy sectors.
On arriving at the Great Hall of People in Beijing, PM Shehbaz was honored with a Guard of Honour.