PM Shehbaz calls for stronger political engagement to deepen Pakistan-China ties

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has stressed the importance of regular political engagement and exchanges between political parties to further strengthen relations between Pakistan and China, describing their partnership as ironclad, time-tested and all-weather. He made these remarks during a meeting with Liu Haixing, Minister of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC), who visited the prime minister along with a delegation, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office. Welcoming the Chinese official and his delegation, Shehbaz said the friendship between the two countries was built on mutual trust, respect and strong people-to-people ties. He acknowledged the IDCPC's contribution to strengthening institutional connections and encouraging cooperation between the political leadership of Pakistan and China. Reiterating Pakistan's commitment to close cooperation with Beijing, the prime minister highlighted several areas where both countries could further expand their partnership, including trade, investment, connectivity, infrastructure, information technology and the modernisation of agriculture. He said sustained engagement at the political level and stronger institutional cooperation were vital to taking the longstanding strategic relationship forward. Liu Haixing conveyed greetings from the Chinese leadership to the prime minister and reaffirmed Beijing's resolve to further strengthen its longstanding friendship with Pakistan. He also welcomed the growing momentum in high-level contacts and exchanges between the political parties of the two countries, saying these efforts would help strengthen bilateral relations. The two sides also discussed regional and international developments and agreed to maintain close coordination and cooperation at bilateral and multilateral forums. Later, the prime minister hosted a banquet in honour of Liu Haixing and the visiting delegation.