Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday said the “all weather” friendship between Pakistan and China is based on shared principles and interests and mutual co-operation in diverse fields, and that the two countries hold identical views on important issues at regional and international levels.
According to a statement, Member of the Political Bureau of Communist Party of China Zhang Chunxian called on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif at the PM house.
Speaking on the occasion, the PM said that at official as well as popular levels, there is strong resonance of the long and rich history of close and cordial ties.
Highlighting China’s great support to Pakistan in security, trade and infrastructure development, the Prime Minister said that Pakistan and China have a shared future and China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is the largest comprehensive project with any foreign country.
The prime minister said that CPEC is a fusion of multiple development projects, aiming at the prosperity and well-being of the citizens of the country and the region at large. The energy projects under CPEC will eliminate load shedding from Pakistan, enhance industrial development in the country and ensure economic growth leading to reduction in unemployment and poverty, he added.
The PM said that he is monitoring the progress on projects under the CPEC on daily basis. Appreciating the support of Chinese leadership in laying the foundations of CPEC, he said that Pakistani nation is grateful to the Chinese leadership for taking the bilateral relationship to the highest level.
Zhang appreciated the commitment of the Prime Minister in eliminating terrorism and extremist mindset from Pakistan. The Chairman said that the Chinese leadership is impressed by the performance of the present government in turning around the economy and maintaining peace and security. The Chinese leadership is happy to see broad public support for CPEC, said Zhang.
Pakistan is witnessing deep and profound changes under the leadership of the Prime Minister, the Chairman stated. Lauding the leadership role of the Prime minister, Zhang said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is an outstanding statesman and we have complete faith in his abilities to transform Pakistan into a developed country.
The prime minister said that we will make Gwadar Port the gateway of development of Pakistan. Connecting Kashghar with Gwadar is the key objective of CPEC and will result in massive industrial growth and development in the country, the Prime Minister concluded.