Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed the confidence that his visit to China will further elevate their friendship to a higher pedestal.

In a video message before embarking on a five-day visit to China from Lahore on Tuesday, he said China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would be taken to a new era in which special focus would be given to the promotion of business-to-business links as well as the execution of mega projects on a government-to-government basis.

Presenting his agenda for talks with the top Chinese leadership, the Prime Minister said new agreements and partnership will be discussed in the areas of agriculture, mines and minerals, Information Technology, infrastructure development, skill and vocational training of youth, industries, and Special Economic Zones.

He said discussion will also be held on commercialization of Gwadar port as well as the expansion of silk route through sea and road. Highlighting the strong bonds that exist between the two countries, the Prime Minister said Pakistan-China friendship is everlasting and there is no precedence of such a relationship in the world. He said China has always supported Pakistan unconditionally in difficult times.

The Prime Minister said China has always raised voice for the oppressed Kashmiri people in categorical terms. He said Pakistan also supports the Chinese stance on their core issues including One China policy and South China Sea.

The Prime Minister was highly appreciative of the vision and dynamic leadership of President Xi Jinping saying his approach not only has made China the second largest economic and military power in the world but also led the world towards peace and prosperity.