2nd phase of CPEC to prioritize cooperation in diverse sectors: PM Shehbaz Sharif

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif says high quality development under second phase of CPEC will prioritize cooperation in Special Economic Zones, industries, IT, mines, agriculture and clean energy.

He was talking to Chairman of the Standing Committee of National People’s Congress of China, Zhao Leji in Beijing today.

The Prime Minister noted the importance of convening the next round of Joint Consultative Mechanism Political Parties under the CPEC.

He proposed several initiatives to strengthen parliamentary exchanges, including enhancing interactions between the China- Pakistan Friendship Groups and exchanging delegations of young parliamentarians.

The Prime Minister paid rich tribute to Chairman Zhao for his contributions to Chinese politics and society.

He said Pakistan’s relations with China are cornerstone of its foreign policy and this relationship is based on strategic trust, commonality of views, and practical cooperation.

On the occasion, Chairman Zhao Leji expressed China’s commitment to further solidify the ‘All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership’ with Pakistan.

He congratulated Shehbaz Sharif on Pakistan’s election as the non-permanent member of UNSC for the term 2025-2026.

Both leaders agreed that this offered an opportunity to the two countries to work together on questions of peace and promoting with law and multilateralism.

The two sides reaffirmed support to each other’s core interests and underscored the need to maintain the momentum of high level exchanges for further deepening the bilateral friendship.

They agreed to promote engagement and cooperation between National People’s Congress and the Parliament of Pakistan.