LAHORE – China’s Ambassador to Pakistan Yao Jing on Saturday congratulatedPunjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif on his election as the president ofthe Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).

“It is an acknowledgement of CM Shehbaz’s capabilities and untiring hardwork,” the top Chinese diplomat in the country said as the duo discussedmatters of mutual interest, the promotion of Pakistan-China relationships,development on the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects and theexpansion of ties between the PML-N and the Communist Party of China.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chinese envoy said the relationship betweenthe PML-N and the Communist Party of China was improving and he hoped thatit would further improve in the future under the leadership of ShehbazSharif.

Inviting CM Shehbaz to the conference of the international politicalparties in China, the ambassador said Shehbaz’s participation would be anhonour for the leadership of China.

Shehbaz, on the occasion, highlighted the PML-N and the Communist Party ofChina were traditional friendly parties. “China is a trusted friend ofPakistan and the leadership of China has proved its love for Pakistanthrough the CPEC that is a game changer for the region,” he said, addingthat the friendship between Pakistan and China was something the countrywas proud of.

He also thanked the leadership of China for their best wishes over hiselection as the head of the PML-N.