Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday said that “Pakistan is absolutely ready to contribute towards Chinese President Xi Jinping's vision of the shared destiny of progress and prosperity.” The premier made these remarks during the signing ceremony of six agreements and MOUs for the promotion of bilateral cooperation between China and Pakistan. PM Shehbaz said that the documents signed by the two countries are aimed at further enhancing economic relations between the two countries. He added that under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), more than $25 billion worth of investment has taken place in Pakistan's power and hydel sector, road infrastructure and public transport.

Shehbaz maintained that "we are now entering the second phase of the CPEC which will envisage investments in sectors, such as, agriculture and information technology." He added that both ML-1 and Karachi circular railway projects are of immense importance, expressing the confidence that both sides “will successfully achieve these and many other projects". He was also confident that this will help Pakistan stand on its own feet”. The premier said both Pakistan and China enjoy a unique relationship, adding that "we are all-weather friends, iron brothers and this friendship will continue and will not tolerate any obstacles in its way".

The two countries have signed six agreements and MOUs for the promotion of bilateral cooperation. The first document was signed on the joint cooperation committee of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the second document was related to the establishment of an expert exchange mechanism within the framework of CPEC. The third document was signed by the Secretary Ministry of National Food Security Zafar Hassan and the Chinese Charge D’Affaires Pang Chunxue for the export of dried Chillies from Pakistan to China. Member Planning of National Highway Authority Asim Amin and Chinese Charge D’Affaires Pang Chunxue signed the fourth document on the realignment of the Karakoram Highway Phase II project.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China