PM renews call for closer Pak-China ties, CPEC second phase

ISLAMABAD/CHARSADDA: After featuring the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in his first parliamentary speech after reelection, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif renewed the call for further strengthening the bilateral ties between “iron brothers” by working together through “thick and thin” and moving towards the “second phase” of the multibillion-dollar project, reported the Geo News.

Premier Shehbaz thanked Chinese President Xi Jinping for extending a congratulatory message on his reelection on March 3 and said: “I deeply value his sentiments not only for the people of Pakistan, for our friendship and our mutual cooperation.”

The premier delivered the remarks while being interviewed by the Chinese state news agency Xinhua at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in Islamabad. It was PM Shehbaz’s first-ever interview to any foreign media outlet after assuming the office.

On completion of 73 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Premier Shehbaz said that the leaders of Pakistan and China have continuously cultivated and promoted bilateral friendship. The two countries have developed into an all-weather strategic cooperative partnership with a unique friendship like the “iron brothers” that has stood the test of time. He stressed that the friendship now must achieve newer “heights”.

Shehbaz said Pakistan should emulate the model citing modernisation steps adopted by China which lifted hundreds of millions of people out of poverty and provided vast rural populations with access to education, healthcare and employment. “It is a great success model and success story. Despite challenges in recent years, China’s growth has still gone steadily compared to other countries, which is a remarkable achievement,” he added.

He was of the view that Pakistan could learn from the model to alleviate poverty, boost youth employment and encourage small and medium entrepreneurship in agricultural, industrial and information technology sectors across urban and rural areas.

The premier said that Pakistan is now ready to move towards the second phase of CPEC, aiming to promote technological development and agriculture through the corridor. Pakistan has established the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), which will cut red tape and remove delays and inefficiencies for CPEC projects, he added. PM Shehbaz said he looks forward to revisiting China, calling it a tradition for Pakistan’s new leadership after inauguration. “China is our second home,” he said. “We made solemn commitments that we would work together, and we would be together through thick and thin,” he vowed.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif underlined the need for enhancing bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Turkiye in all areas of mutual interest including trade, defence connectivity and culture. He was talking to Turkish Ambassador Dr Mehmet Pacaci, who paid a courtesy call on the prime minister in Islamabad.

The PM emphasized that both the countries enjoyed exemplary bilateral relations which are based on shared history, religion and culture and are unshakeable. The prime minister said both countries need to work together to achieve the annual target of five billion dollars in bilateral trade. On core issues, the prime minister said Pakistan deeply appreciates Turkiye’s firm and consistent support for the oppressed people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ&K). He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s support to Turkiye on the issue of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

The Turkish ambassador congratulated the prime minister on his re-election, conveyed best wishes from the leadership of Turkiye and emphasized the importance of strengthening the fraternal ties between both countries.

The prime minister appreciated the congratulatory telephone call and message of felicitations from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan immediately after his re-election. He also congratulated Turkiye on the successful flight of KAAN 5th generation fighter aircraft.

The premier also reiterated his invitation to President Erdogan to visit Pakistan. Shehbaz Sharif said the people of Pakistan look forward to the visit, which would provide a useful opportunity for both sides to carry out extensive consultations during the 7th session of the High-Level Strategic Coordination Council.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited the residence of Awami National Party (ANP) leader Asfandyar Wali Khan to condole over the death of his wife.

The prime minister interacted with Asfandyar Wali’s son and ANP leader Aimal Wali Khan. He offered Fateha and prayed for peace for the departed soul. He sympathized with the bereaved family and prayed for strength to bear the loss with fortitude. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Minister for States and Frontier Regions Amir Muqam, former MNA and ANP leader Ghulam Ahmed Bilour and former MPA Ikhtiar Wali were also present.