Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, on Saturday for an official visit that marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China. The Chinese Foreign Ministry described it as an "important high-level exchange" during which both countries aim to deepen cooperation across various sectors.
The prime minister praised the "steadfast" friendship between Pakistan and China, emphasizing their support through both prosperity and hardship. He highlighted that despite changing international circumstances, China has consistently stood by Pakistan in times of need, such as earthquakes, floods, and peacekeeping efforts.
Over the past 75 years, Pakistan and China have maintained steadily expanding ties. In 2015, they elevated their relations to an all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and agreed to build a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era.
At a ceremony held in Islamabad on Thursday, PM Shehbaz Sharif met Wang Hao, Party Secretary of the CPC Zhejiang Provincial Committee. They discussed matters related to bilateral cooperation during this visit that is expected to highlight a new chapter in their 75-year-old relationship.
The Suki Kinari Hydropower Project in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Gwadar Port expansion are examples of CPEC projects that have significantly strengthened Pakistan's energy security, infrastructure, and regional connectivity. According to Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, CPEC has laid the foundations for a modern economic framework.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Wang Hao in Hangzhou on Saturday, discussing matters related to bilateral cooperation. The visit is seen as strategically important for regional stability, economic cooperation, and strengthening bilateral relations.
Expert Rashid Safi described the prime minister's visit as "strategically important" amid shifting geopolitical dynamics, economic challenges, and regional security concerns. He both countries are celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations, with tensions involving the United States and Iran, Middle East developments, Arabian Sea energy supply routes, Afghanistan, and broader regional stability.
Safi emphasized that connectivity and confidence-building remain essential for regional prosperity. Both Pakistan and China favor dialogue, diplomacy, and economic cooperation over conflict. He praised China's governance and public security systems, highlighting their success in maintaining a secure environment for both locals and foreign tourists alike.
The visit is expected to cover various areas such as economic cooperation, investment, technology, media, information technology, industrial collaboration, agriculture, and regional trade connectivity. The prime minister's first stop in Hangzhou was particularly significant due to the city's advanced technology sector, e-commerce, artificial intelligence, and digital economy.
Both countries are now placing special emphasis on industrial zones, exports, youth employment, agricultural reforms, technology transfer, and regional trade connectivity under CPEC 2.0. The visit is seen as a major effort to give a new direction to the future partnership between Pakistan and China.
