BEIJING: Pakistani and Chinese prime ministers affirmed on Friday their commitment to safeguarding the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) from its “detractors and adversaries,” while also ensuring the safety of Chinese personnel in Pakistan.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is on an official visit to China from June 4 to 8 at the invitation of President Xi Jinping, aiming to enhance cooperation under the CPEC, a crucial component of Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative.
In a statement, the PM’s Office said that during the meeting, the two sides discussed the significance of Gwadar as an important pillar of the CPEC and agreed to expedite the timely completion of all related infrastructure projects to transform Gwadar into a regional economic hub.
“They also expressed their firm commitment to protect the CPEC from its detractors and adversaries and to upgrade CPEC in the form of enhanced cooperation,” the statement said.
The prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s unflinching resolve to ensure the safety and security of Chinese personnel and projects in Pakistan.
Chinese investment and financial support since 2013 have been key for the South Asian nation’s struggling economy, including the rolling over of loans so that Islamabad is able to meet external financing needs at a time when foreign reserves are critically low.
China has also invested billions in various power projects and road networks in Pakistan under the $65 billion CPEC plan, but the implementation of several projects has slowed in recent months.
