Friendship reflected in Sharif's visit

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's visit, which coincided with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, is timely, significant, and reflects the depth of a friendship that has stood the test of time, analysts said.

They said Sharif's talks with Chinese leaders will further strengthen the ironclad brotherhood between the two nations, especially economic relations and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, or CPEC.

President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang met Sharif in Beijing on Monday after he arrived in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, on Saturday. Sharif also attended an event marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, before leaving on Tuesday.

The high-level engagements in Beijing demonstrate the mutual trust and strategic understanding that continue to define relations between the two countries, said Khalid Taimur Akram, executive director of the Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future in Islamabad.

"Such exchanges are essential for strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, technology, and regional connectivity," Akram noted. In his opinion, this next phase of CPEC has the potential to create new opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and long-term prosperity for Pakistan.

Akram said the investment and business conference led by Sharif in China signals a transition from infrastructure development to broader economic cooperation in areas such as technology, industrial development, agriculture, and innovation.

Sharif's visit has been widely regarded as purposeful and forward-looking, setting the stage for progress, including greater socioeconomic prosperity and financial integration, said Mehmood Ul Hassan Khan, president of the Center for Knowledge and Public Policy in Pakistan.

"These developments have significantly enhanced political understanding, diplomatic consultations, economic cooperation, industrial collaboration, and, above all, the revitalization of CPEC 2.0," he said.

"The visit, therefore, provided a major boost to Pakistan's economy, steering it toward greater stability, sustainability, and modernization, with the relocation of high-quality industries set to play a pivotal role."

In international relations, timing, gestures, and events signify the importance and depth of the relationship, said Shakeel Ahmad Ramay, CEO of the Asian Institute of Eco-Civilization, Research, and Development in Pakistan.

Ahmad said it is good that the Chinese and Pakistani leaders exchanged views, coordinated their positions, and devised future policies and courses of action to navigate the new world order and multipolar world together.

"Pakistan pins high hopes on securing good deals (with China) to foster Pakistan's economic growth and development," he said.

Financial sector cooperation is crucial for Pakistan amid the ongoing financial crisis and extreme pressure from international financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund, he said.

Sharif's visit can definitely help the country find new opportunities, especially in the financial sector, such as bonds and mechanisms, to ease financial pressure, and to strengthen cooperation with China, he said.

Imtiaz Gul, executive director of the Center for Research and Security Studies in Pakistan, said China's warm reception of Sharif's visit underscored the unflinching nature of bilateral relations.

He said the new agreements on cultural exchanges and educational cooperation signed during the visit can "certainly help deepen Pakistanis' knowledge of rich Chinese culture, values of hard work, perseverance, and the phenomenal strides that China has made in science and technology".

vivienxu@chinadailyapac.com