ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) – Pakistan has formally entered the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced during a Senate session on Tuesday.
Addressing lawmakers, Dar said CPEC remains the flagship project of China’s Belt and Road Initiative and confirmed that Phase-II of the multi-billion-dollar corridor has now commenced in Pakistan.
He reiterated that Pakistan remains fully committed to the One China policy, adding that China has consistently supported Pakistan’s sovereignty and national interests.
The foreign minister also announced that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will undertake an official visit to China from May 23 to 26.
According to Dar, the visit will include celebrations marking 75 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China. During the trip, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is also scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss bilateral cooperation and regional matters.
Officials expect the visit to further strengthen economic, diplomatic and strategic ties between the two countries, particularly under the framework of CPEC Phase-II, which is focused on industrial cooperation, technology, agriculture and investment.