Shehbaz Sharif’s China Visit: 23 New MoUs Signed

Pakistan and China have reaffirmed their commitment to protect and enhance the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) from any detractors and adversaries. During a significant visit to China from June 4 to 8, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif assured Beijing of complete security for personnel working on multi-billion-dollar projects.

During high-level meetings, the two nations discussed the pivotal role of Gwadar as a cornerstone of CPEC, agreeing to accelerate the completion of related infrastructure projects. The transformation of Gwadar into a regional economic hub was emphasized as a shared priority.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering resolve to ensure the safety and security of Chinese personnel and projects in Pakistan. This commitment is crucial for the sustained progress of CPEC, a key component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

Chinese investment has been a lifeline for Pakistan’s struggling economy since 2013, with significant financial support and loan rollovers aiding Islamabad during times of critical foreign reserve shortages. The $65 billion CPEC plan includes investments in power projects and road networks, although some project implementations have slowed in recent months.

Discussions between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese President Xi Jinping covered a broad spectrum of bilateral relations and regional developments. Both leaders underscored the Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership, marked by mutual trust and strategic convergence.

Premier Li Qiang congratulated Prime Minister Shehbaz on Pakistan’s election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, reaffirming support for each other’s core issues and the high-quality development of CPEC.

The leaders emphasized the timely completion of ongoing projects, with a particular focus on industrial development, agricultural modernization, science and technology, and the development of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to drive socio-economic development in Pakistan.

Both sides agreed to maintain high-level exchanges and strengthen institutional linkages across all tiers and spheres of bilateral cooperation. Pakistan and China will continue close consultations on regional and global issues, particularly during Pakistan’s two-year tenure as a non-permanent member of the UNSC.

The delegation-level talks culminated in the signing of 23 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements, witnessed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Premier Li Qiang. These agreements cover cooperation in transport infrastructure, industry, energy, agriculture, media, health, water, and socio-economic development.

The visit concluded with an official banquet hosted by Premier Li Qiang in honor of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. This visit underscores the deepening of Pakistan-China relations and sets the stage for future collaborative efforts to enhance regional economic growth and stability.