PM expects to further deepen relations with China during his visit

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Sunday that he expects to further deepen strategic relations and enhance trade and business ties with China during his upcoming visit.

“I hope the visit will result in further cementing our strategic relations and enhancing business and trade with China,” he told the China Global Television Network (CGTN) in an interview.

The premier is scheduled to begin an official visit to China on November 1. It is his first visit to the neighbouring country since he took office in April.

Shehbaz Sharif is among the first batch of foreign leaders to visit China after the conclusion of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in Beijing.

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“I feel honoured and deeply touched. It is heartwarming to know that I am one of the first leaders from the world visiting my brotherly and friendly country China. That shows and reflects the depth of our friendship and strength of our understanding and bond,” he added.

The premier said that he looks forward to his talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Keqiang and the Chinese leadership to enhance cooperation in various fields.

Regarding assistance extended by China to the flood-hit people in Pakistan, he expressed gratitude for the Chinese leadership, people and companies who have generously contributed.

“China has supplied food items, medicines, mosquito nets and lots of other items for the flood-affected people,” he added.

He said that the Chinese leadership has contributed in a big way and wants to know from the Pakistani government what else Beijing could do to support the flood-stricken people.

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Appreciating the rapid development of China in economic, social and cultural fields, he opined that the neighbouring country believes in globalisation and he wanted to emulate the Chinese model of economic development.

About the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which has entered a high-quality second phase, he said that the flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has transformed the energy sector and infrastructure in the country.

"The road network constructed under CPEC in all parts of the country has shortened the travelling time and now people could easily reach from one place to another," he added.

Shehbaz said he will also discuss expanding the role of CPEC under the Belt and Road Initiative.