• Beijing commits to provide additional assistance package of 500 million yuan for flood- relief efforts
• Shehbaz and Xi agree to complete all formalities for early launch of Karachi Circular Railway
• Kashmir, Afghanistan also feature in discussions
• EVENINGS invites Chinese corporations plan to invest in state solar power projectalternative energy sources
• Xi accepted invitation to visit Islamabad soon
ISLAMABAD: China on Wednesday assured Pakistan of its continuation support to sustainable economic and strategic projects of the country, including expansion of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Main Line-1 (ML-1) Railway, in addition to additional assistance package of 500 million yuan for countries flood- Relief efforts.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang made these commitments during separate meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
Both parties have signed and entered into a series of of bilateral cooperation agreements in areas of electronic commerce, digital economyexport of agricultural products, financial cooperation, protection of cultural Property Infrastructure, flood relief, post- disaster recovery, GDI, animal disease control, livelihoods, cultural cooperation, space geosciences, and law enforcement and security.
With this, Prime Minister Sharif concluded his first two-day visit to China and returned back to the country on Wednesday evening.
During his meeting with President Xi, the two leaders, reaffirming the mutual commitment of the CPEC, agreed that as project of strategic importance, both countries will make joint efforts to “launch the ML-1 as an early harvest project in accordance with the CPEC framework”.
They are also acknowledged need for public transport project in Karachi, and agreed to complete all formalities for early launch of Karachi Circular Railway.
Mr. Sharif congratulated President Xi on his re-election as general secretary of communist party of China at its 20th Central Committee. He also thanked him for China’s invaluable assistance to Pakistan’s relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in commemoration of devastation caused on super floods in country.
The two leaders considered progress in Sino-Pakistani Bilateral Relations and Exchange of Views on regional and global questions of mutual interest.
They reaffirmed their commitment to all-weather strategic partnership between the two countries who survived test of time. The two nations stood firm side on side in realize their shared vision of peace, stability, development and prosperity.
Prime Minister Sharif emphatically emphasized that Pakistani-Chinese friendship enjoys complete consensus across the political spectrum in Pakistan was model of interstate relations.
Payment tribute leadership of President Xi for China’s Prosperity and Vision for strengthening bilateral relations, prime minister said Pakistan drew inspiration from China’s social and economic life. development as well as national resolve country progress and prosperity.
The leaders of the two countries discussed cooperation at range of issues, including defense, trade and investment, agriculture, healthcare, education, green energy, science as well as technology and disaster preparedness.
They are also exchanged views on rapid transformation in in international environment, which exacerbated the economic challenges for development countries. They confirmed their common faith in dialogue and cooperation through on equality and mutual benefit as critical for global peace and prosperity.
They agreed that modern challenges like climate change, health pandemics and growing inequalities demanded unconditional cooperation between states, in conformity with goals and principles of Charter of the United Nations.
Prime Minister Sharif and President Xi also discussed regional issues, including the situation in Kashmir and Afghanistan under Indian control. They recognized that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan would contribute to regional security and economic development. development and agreed that the expansion of CPEC to Kabul would strengthen regional connectivity initiatives.
prime minister also extended invitation to President Xi for visiting Pakistan soon, which the latter graciously accepted.
Meeting with Chinese counterpart
Prime Minister Sharif and his Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang, in meeting, agreed to expand the CPEC, in addition to ensuring the early completion of corridor projects. The Prime Minister was warmly received by Premier Keqiang at the House of the People, where he was given security. of honour.
Two sides also negotiations were held at the level of delegations led by the respective leaders.
Prime Minister Sharif also met chairman of Standing Committee of National People’s Congress, Li Zhanshu, and discussed bilateral issues and mutual cooperation.
Chinese companies urge to invest
Prime Minister also met leading Chinese companies showing keen interest in investment in Solar, water and other infrastructure projects in Pakistan.
Speaking on occasion, that prime minister invited Chinese corporate leaders to visit Pakistan and invest in in governmentall-round sunny power project aims to produce 10,000 megawatts of electricity,” the statement said. He also encouraged Chinese investment in Alternative energy resources of Pakistan including wind turbines power plants.
Mr. Sharif stressed early completion of infrastructure of Gwadar International Airport, the construction of which, according to the assurances of Chinese companies, will be completed by the beginning next year.
Furthermore, in meeting with Chinese investors and businessmen, said Prime Minister Sharif government since taking power in April resolved several issues regarding businesses and paid them outstanding dues. of 160 billion rupees. He also said that the State Bank has created a revolving fund. of Pakistan on directives of Finance Minister Ishak Dar with seed money of 50 billion rupees.
He promised to turn on prioritization of issues related to land acquisition for construction of Diamer Basha Dam and other obstacles in in way of completing Mohman Dam.
Shehbaz also assured that the Chinese will be provided with reliable protection personnel working in Pakistan, and said through-board security will be provided for appointed on KPEC.
To solve the problem of water shortage in Karachi, the prime minister told the federal government together with Sindh government was ready to cooperate with Chinese companies.
Foreign policy priorities
Then, in Chinese joint statement side confirmed that the relationship with Pakistan will always be given highest a priority in his foreign policy. Pakistani side stressed that Pakistan-China relations are the cornerstone of of his foreign policy and that pakistani people always maintained a close friendship between the two countries.
Pakistan also declared his commitment to the one China policy and support on Problems of Taiwan, South China Sea, Hong Kong, Xinjiang and Tibet. Chinese side confirmed his support for sovereignty, territorial integrity, security of Pakistan and promotion of its socio-economic development and prosperity.
Published in Dawn, November 3, 2022
