BEIJING (The Thursday Times) — Chinese President Xi Jinping has extended his warm congratulations to Shehbaz Sharif upon his election as the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. China and Pakistan have pledged to enhance their partnership with Shehbaz Sharif at the helm. This gesture underscores the deep-rooted friendship and strategic partnership between China and Pakistan, highlighting a mutual interest in furthering bilateral relations and collaborative projects.
President Xi expressed his optimism about Pakistan’s future under Sharif’s leadership, noting the potential for achieving new and greater milestones in national development and progress. His confidence in the collective efforts of all sectors within Pakistan signifies China’s support for the country’s path towards prosperity and stability.
Xi Jinping emphasised the importance of continuing the traditional friendship between the two nations, advocating for enhanced exchanges and cooperation across various fields. He specifically highlighted the significance of jointly building an upgraded version of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project under China’s Belt and Road Initiative that has been instrumental in fostering economic growth and infrastructure development in Pakistan.
The Chinese President’s message also stressed the need to deepen the China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative partnership. This partnership, characterised by its resilience and comprehensive scope, covers areas ranging from economic cooperation to security and cultural exchanges, embodying the spirit of mutual assistance and shared growth.
Furthermore, Xi Jinping called for efforts to build a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era. This vision aims at enhancing bilateral relations to bring more tangible benefits to the people of both countries, fostering a sense of unity and common purpose in facing regional and global challenges.
Complementing President Xi’s message, Chinese Premier Li Qiang also sent a congratulatory note to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, reflecting the Chinese government’s unanimous support for Pakistan’s new leadership. This reinforces the strategic significance of the Sino-Pakistani relationship, not only in terms of high-level diplomacy but also in practical cooperation and people-to-people bonds.
