Beijing influence: PML-N president Shehbaz meets Chinese, British envoys

He met the envoys on Thursday during his first visit to the capital after his release from the jail last month.

Sharif also visited the residences of late party leaders Mushahidullah Khan and Raja Ashfaq Sarwar to offer condolences with their family members, says official handouts issued by the party reports Dawn News.

This was also Shehbaz’s first meeting with the Chinese ambassador after his appointment which was held in a pleasant, lively and friendly environment, reported the newspaper.

Sharif said China was like second home to Pakistanis and vice versa. He expressed the hope that the relationship between iron brothers would strengthen and deepen in the coming days.

Calling China an exemplary partner and friend of Pakistan, he said during Nawaz Sharif’s term in the government, this friendship transformed into a lasting and strong economic partnership. He thanked China and its people for their exemplary help to the country during the pandemic, reports Dawn News.

The envoy invited Sharif to China to attend the 100 years of Chinese Communist Party in July, the newspaper reported.

Sharif also called on British High Commissioner Dr Christian Turner and appreciated the British assistance to Pakistan during the pandemic. He extended his condolences to the British high commissioner for the Covid deaths in Britain, read the Pakistani newspaper.

Following the meeting, Sharif tweeted: " Had a fruitful discussion in my meetings with Chinese Ambassador @AmbNong & British High Commissioner Dr
@CTurnerFCDO today. Both China and UK are Pakistan's trusted friends and development partners. The relationship with both countries is deep-rooted & strategic in nature."