China lauds PM Shehbaz’s remarks on bilateral relations, CPEC

Commenting on a Global Times exclusive interview with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry said China appreciates the care and efforts from Sharif on practical cooperation between the two countries and China is ready to work with Pakistan on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in more fields.

“Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has spoken highly of China-Pakistan relations and the CPEC on several occasions. He cares deeply about the practical cooperation between our two countries and has done a lot for its progress. This is appreciated by China,” spokesperson Wang Wenbin told Wednesday’s press briefing.

China is ready to work with Pakistan to follow through on the common understanding between Chinese and Pakistani leaders, Wang noted.

On the basis of ensuring sound implementation and operation of existing projects, China is willing to join hands with Pakistan to further focus on cooperation in multiple areas – industries, livelihoods, agriculture, science and technology and information technology – so as to build the CPEC into a demonstration program for high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, Wang noted.

The Global Times had an exclusive interview with Sharif recently, in which he shared his heartfelt views on the “iron brotherhood” of China-Pakistan relations and about the overall peace and stability of the region. He also strongly refuted the idea that some countries could perceive the CPEC as a “threat.”

Sharif said the CPEC is a long-term blueprint for the two countries to extend mutual support on the long road to development. He said he hopes to see early progress on major infrastructure projects that are in the pipeline, including the strategic Main Line 1 (ML-1) railway line.

As an international connectivity initiative, the CPEC’s growth can connect markets within and outside the region, Sharif said, expressing welcome for third-party participation in the project, which he said is not targeted at, and does not seek to exclude any party.

The CPEC cannot reasonably be perceived as a “threat” except by those who view things from a zero-sum perspective and who want the people of Pakistan to remain deprived of the fruits of development, Sharif noted in the interview with the Global Times.

Sharif also spoke highly of China’s development. He said China’s civilization has deep imprints on the entire region and China’s governance model, rapid modernization, economic development, and people-centered policies offer lessons for all developing countries, including Pakistan.

At the press conference, Wang expressed confidence that China will hold a successful 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), which will provide a new blueprint for China’s development going forward. It will also greatly promote China’s friendly cooperation with Pakistan and other countries around the world and make an important contribution to the progress of humanity.

Sharif told the Global Times that he has full confidence that the Chinese nation will attain its dream of national rejuvenation under the leadership and guidance of the CPC, and said he believes China is ready to shoulder its responsibilities as a major country and enhance international cooperation with the aim of building a community with a shared future for mankind.