Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, concluded a series of significant bilateral and informal meetings with global leaders on the sidelines of the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of State (CHS) summit in Tianjin, China. The summit, a key forum for regional cooperation and dialogue, provided a platform for Pakistan to strengthen its diplomatic ties and advance its strategic interests.
Warm Reception from Chinese Leadership, and Global Dignitaries
During his six-day visit, Prime Minister Sharif was warmly welcomed by Chinese President Xi Jinping at a formal banquet, underscoring the enduring and close relationship between the two nations. The Prime Minister’s office noted the “extraordinary warmth” he received from a wide range of world leaders, reflecting Pakistan’s strong and friendly relations with countries across the globe.
In addition to President Xi, Prime Minister Sharif held informal meetings with several heads of state and government, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, and UN Secretary-General António Guterres, among others. These engagements highlight Pakistan’s crucial role in international diplomacy and its commitment to fostering a multipolar world.
Advocating for Peace, and Human Rights
A key focus of the Prime Minister’s discussions was the critical humanitarian situation in Gaza. In a meeting with Turkish President Erdogan, both leaders “condemned Israel’s genocidal policies” and pledged to use all international platforms to advocate for the rights of the Palestinian people and call for an end to the ongoing conflict. This unified stance reflects a shared commitment to humanitarian principles and a peaceful resolution.
Strengthening the Pakistan-China Strategic Alliance
The visit also aimed to advance the strategic partnership between Pakistan and China. Prime Minister Sharif’s agenda includes bilateral talks with senior Chinese leadership, including President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, to discuss the progression of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into its second phase. CPEC 2.0 will focus on expanding cooperation in industrialization, agriculture, energy, and connectivity, further cementing China’s role as Pakistan’s largest investor and closest strategic ally.
On September 4, Prime Minister Sharif is set to chair the second Pakistan-China B2B Investment Conference in Beijing, a pivotal event designed to enhance trade and investment ties between the two countries. The conference is expected to attract key business leaders and investors, facilitating new partnerships and projects that will contribute to Pakistan’s economic growth and stability.
The Prime Minister’s presence at the SCO summit and his extensive diplomatic engagements underscore Pakistan’s active and constructive role in the international arena, fostering dialogue, building consensus, and addressing global challenges.
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