- PM calls for accelerating implementation of projects in Gwadar, establishment of special economic zones
- Says participation of large number of world leaders in Beijing testimony to XI’s leadership, China’s growing stature in int’l community
- ‘Presence of all four provincial CMs symbolises broad-based support in Pakistan for cooperation with China’
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Saturday said his government was making all out efforts for active implementation of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), adding it had made good progress in the execution of energy and infrastructure projects.
“CPEC is a core component of your visionary initiative of the One Belt One Road. We sincerely appreciate your commitment and leadership for the realisation of CPEC projects,” the prime minister remarked in his meeting with President Xi Jinping at the Diaoyutai State Guest House on the sidelines of the ‘Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.’
The forum is being hosted by the Chinese government on May 14-15, being attended by 29 heads of state and government, besides delegates from around 130 countries.
On his arrival, the prime minister was received by President Xi and both the leaders shook hands.
During the meeting, the prime minister was accompanied by Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Pervaiz Khattak, and Balochistan Chief Minister Sanaulllah Zahri, along with Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique, State Minister for IT Anusha Rehman and Advisor to PM on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz.
President Xi Jinping was also accompanied by his high-level nine-member delegation.
The prime minister, who earlier met his Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang, also stressed for accelerating the implementation of projects in Gwadar and establishment of special economic and industrial zones.
The prime minister said the composition of his delegation represented the strong bonds of friendship between the two countries.
“The presence of all four provincial chief ministers symbolises the broad-based support in Pakistan for cooperation with China and the CPEC,” he remarked.
He said Pakistan stood with China for promotion of President Xi Jinping’s visionary initiative of One Belt and One Road (OBOR)
The prime minister congratulated President Xi on the successful holding of the Belt and Road Forum, saying that the participation of a large number of world leaders in Chinese capital was a testimony of his leadership and China’s growing stature in the international community.
The prime minister said Pakistan-China friendship enjoyed popular support in Pakistan and high-level exchanges were indicative of the fast-growing bilateral relations.
However, he also stressed the need to sustain the momentum with a view to further strengthening of this relationship.
In his remarks, President Xi Jinping welcomed the prime minister and his delegation for attending the forum.
He expressed his satisfaction over the pace of growing bilateral ties and resolved to cement the ties further by enhancing cooperation in multiple spheres.
He said the two countries had more potential to strengthen bilateral cooperation vis-a-vis implementation of CPEC and other regional connectivity projects.
PM NAWAZ MEETS ERDOGAN:
Moreover, PM Nawaz also met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of OBOR Forum and discussed issues of bilateral interests.
The two leaders exchanged views on matters of regional and international importance.
Nawaz Sharif and Erdogan emphasised to further enhance bilateral relations by increasing cooperation in multiple spheres.
The meeting was attended by Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and Commerce Minister Khurram Dastagir.
Shehbaz Sharif thanked the Turkish president for providing full support in the betterment of healthcare system in Punjab, adding the present-day development of Turkey is a result of hard work, selflessness and acumen under the dynamic leadership of Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Talking to Shehbaz Sharif, Erdogan said that he and his delegation was warmly welcomed during their visit to Lahore, and were given tremendous love and affection. He said that remembers the happy moments of his Lahore tour.