ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif landed in Hangzhou on Saturday in the first phase of his four-day visit to China, the Government of Pakistan’s official X account stated.
Upon his arrival at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, PM Shehbaz was welcomed by Deputy Governor of Zhejiang Xu Wenguang, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong, and Pakistan’s Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi are accompanying the premier on his visit.
In a statement issued shortly after his arrival, the premier expressed gratitude to the provincial leadership for the reception accorded to the Pakistani delegation.
“I have arrived in the beautiful and dynamic city of Hangzhou, as part of my official visit to China,” PM Shehbaz said in a statement on X.
“I am deeply grateful to the leadership of Zhejiang Province for the warm welcome extended to me and my delegation,” he added.
The prime minister said Pakistan was keen to expand cooperation with Zhejiang Province in a range of sectors, particularly those linked to technology and economic development.
“We look forward to strengthening practical cooperation with Zhejiang Province across diverse fields, including the digital economy, e-commerce, information technology, telecommunications, agriculture, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, and skills development,” he said.
Referring to the longstanding ties between Islamabad and Beijing, the premier said the visit coincided with a significant milestone in bilateral relations.
“As Pakistan and China commemorate 75 years of diplomatic relations, I look forward to engaging with President Xi Jinping and the Chinese leadership, while reaffirming our shared commitment to further strengthening the enduring bond of friendship between our two brotherly nations,” he said.
Similarly, DPM Dar said he was “delighted” to be in Hangzhou alongside the prime minister and members of the Pakistani delegation during the visit.
“Delighted to be in beautiful Hangzhou, China with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and members of Pakistan delegation,” Dar said in a statement shared on X.
He said the delegation was looking forward to a series of engagements during the visit, including high-level meetings and participation in the Pakistan-China Business-to-Business Investment Conference scheduled to take place in Hangzhou on May 24.
The foreign minister said the visit carried added importance as Islamabad and Beijing marked a major milestone in bilateral relations.
“The Prime Minister’s visit and our engagements carry special significance as Pakistan and China celebrate 75 years of their ironclad friendship,” he said.
According to the government’s post, while in Hangzhou, PM Shehbaz will meet Party Secretary of Zhejiang Province Wang Hao, participate in a business forum held to promote cooperation between Pakistani and Chinese companies under CPEC Phase-II, and attend the ceremony for the exchange of agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs).
Further, the premier will hold meetings with the CEOs of prominent Chinese companies and will visit the headquarters of Alibaba, participating in the signing ceremony of MoUs on cooperation.
