Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif received assurance from Chinese Premier Li Keqiang that Beijing did not only consider Pakistan as a strategic ally but also as a nation whose stability and economic well-being were of "utmost significance" to the region and to China.

According to a statement from the PM's Office, PM Shehbaz and his Chinese counterpart had a lengthy phone chat on Thursday during which they covered a variety of topics. The Chinese leader reiterated Pakistan's significance in the region as the conversation came to a successful conclusion.

The two leaders' conversation was marked by "warmth and cordiality," keeping with the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership's traditions between Pakistan and China.

The press release stated that the two premiers exchanged New Year's greetings and highlighted that bilateral relations between the two states had reached new heights in the previous year. It also stated that the two decided to keep the momentum of bilateral cooperation going in 2023.

They spoke on the phone on regional issues of shared interest, PM Shehbaz's travel to China in November 2022, and the extensive discussions that he, Premier Li, and Chinese President Xi Jinping had.

According to the press release, "The PM emphasised Pakistan's commitment to building deeper relations with China and repeated Pakistan's unstinting support on China's key interests."

The prime minister brought up the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) during the discussion and emphasised Pakistan's unwavering commitment to the timely completion of CPEC projects.

The prime minister gave his Chinese colleague assurances that Pakistan would offer Chinese investors a perfectly secure and favourable business environment.

The Chinese president had informed PM Shehbaz during his two-day state visit to China in November 2022 that China will continue to support Pakistan in stabilising its financial position.

It was also determined that Pakistan and China will expedite the development of the Gwadar Sea Port's infrastructure and bring the construction of the economic corridor forward more effectively.

PM Shehbaz briefed Premier Li on the most recent developments in Pakistan's post-flood reconstruction and rehabilitation in the wake of the devastating monsoon floods that had shook the nation while also discussing the International Conference on Climate Resilient Pakistan that is taking place in Geneva on January 9th.

According to a news statement, "the prime minister expressed Pakistan's sincere thanks for China's swift and substantial support for the flood-affected people."

While Premier Li gave the Prime Minister reassurance that China would continue to assist Pakistan's reconstruction efforts and the Conference's success.

In order to advance the bilateral cooperation agenda for the mutual benefit of the people of Pakistan and China in 2023 and beyond, both presidents committed to keep in regular contact.