ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told an international news channel ahead of his visit to China that his administration was keen to deepen strategic relations with Beijing, reported the Associated Press of Pakistan news agency on Sunday.
The prime minister is scheduled to begin his two-day visit to China on November 1 where he will meet President Xi Jinping and hold delegation-level talks with Premier Li Keqiang.
He is among the first batch of foreign leaders to visit China after the conclusion of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party in Beijing.
“I feel really honored and deeply touched and it’s very heartwarming to know that I am one of the first leaders from the world visiting my brotherly and friendly country China,” he said during an interview with the China Global Television Network (CGTN). “That shows and reflects the depth of our friendship and strength of our understanding and our bond.”
“I hope the visit will result in further cementing our strategic relations and enhancing business and trade with China,” he added.
Sharif said he looked forward to his talks with President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Li Keqiang to enhance cooperation in various fields.
Speaking of the humanitarian assistance extended to his country by China, the Pakistani PM expressed gratitude to the Chinese authorities, people and companies who “generously contributed” to help the flood-affected people in his country.
“China has supplied food items, medicines, mosquito nets and lots of other items for the flood-affected people,” he said.
Sharif also applauded the rapid development of China in economic, social and cultural fields, adding that he wanted to emulate Beijing’s example to financially strengthen his country.
Asked about the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which has entered its second phase, he said “the flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative” (BRI) had transformed the energy sector and infrastructure in Pakistan.
He added he would also discuss the possibility of expanding the role of CPEC under the BRI with the Chinese authorities.
