Li Keqiang Speaks with Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif on the Phone

On the afternoon of January 5, 2023, Premier Li Keqiang of the State Council had a phone call at request with Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif at Ziguangge of Zhongnanhai.

The Premier and the Prime Minister first exchanged New Year greetings. Li Keqiang said that the China-Pakistan friendship has stood the test of international vicissitudes and grown from strength to strength. China always sees China-Pakistan relations as a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy, and will continue to support Pakistan in safeguarding national independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and legitimate rights and interests, upholding domestic solidarity and stability and realizing national development and rejuvenation. Mr. Prime Minister's successful visit to China not long ago has given a strong boost to the development of bilateral relations. China is ready to have close high-level exchanges with Pakistan, advance practical cooperation in key fields, and work towards the greater development of China-Pakistan relations.

Li Keqiang noted that the current global economic landscape is complicated with marked features of high inflation, low growth, tight monetary policies and high debt. All countries should work together to advance mutual opening-up, strengthen macroeconomic and financial policy coordination, and strive to promote the recovery and growth of the world economy. China always supports Pakistan in growing its economy and improving people's livelihood, and is ready to work with Pakistan to safeguard regional peace, stability and development. Li expressed his hope that Pakistan will continuously take more robust measures to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens and institutions in Pakistan.

Shahbaz thanked China for providing tremendous support and assistance for Pakistan in the fight against floods, and highly appreciated China for always standing together with Pakistan when it encounters difficulties. He noted that this has fully demonstrated the "ironclad" friendship between Pakistan and China that is higher than mountains and deeper than oceans. Pakistan is firmly committed to the one-China principle, firmly supports China on all issues concerning China's core interests, and is ready to work with China to strengthen cooperation in all fields, so as to take Pakistan-China relations to a higher level.

Wang Yi and He Lifeng and others were present.