Mr. Zhang Chunxian, Member of the Political Bureau of Communist Party of China called on Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif at PM House today.
Warmly welcoming Mr. Zhang Chunxian, Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif said that both countries enjoy close co-operation and hold identical views on important issues at regional and international levels. Our “all weather” friendship is based on shared principles and interests, and forms the foundation of co-operation in diverse fields, the Prime Minister stated. At the official as well as popular levels, there is strong resonance of the long and rich history of close and cordial ties, added the Prime Minister. 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 stated that CPEC is a fusion of multiple development projects, aimed 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, said the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister 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, the Prime Minister said that Pakistani nation is grateful to the Chinese leadership for taking the bilateral relationship to the highest level.
Mr. Zhang appreciated the commitment of the Prime Minister in eliminating terrorism and extremist mindset from Pakistan. Mr. Zhang Chunxian 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 Mr. Zhang. Pakistan is witnessing deep and profound changes under the leadership of the Prime Minister, Mr. Zhang stated. Lauding the leadership role of the Prime Minister, Mr. Zhang said that Prime Minister Muhammad 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.
The Chinese delegation included H.E. Mr. Sun Weidong, Ambassador of China in Pakistan and Mr. Zhan Kongchao, DG Assistant Foreign Affairs. Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Minister for Planning, Development and Reform Mr. Ahsan Iqbal, SAPM Mr. Tariq Fatemi and other senior officials of the Government were also present in the meeting.
