Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang hosted the dinner whereat, he warmly welcomed his Pakistani counterpart.
The glimpse of brotherly relations was evident in the warmth from both the sides. The Pakistani premier thanked the Chinese counterpart for his brotherly feelings and warm hospitality.
Shehbaz said, “China is a great and reliable brother. Every Pakistani is proud of China’s development. We are very impressed with your passion, work speed and commitment.”
On the occasion, a band of the Chinese army played the tunes of Pakistani national songs.
The tunes of Pakistani national songs made the atmosphere of the lunch a rainbow of colours of Pakistan-China friendship.
The tunes played included: "Dil Dil Pakistan", "Dil Se Main Ne Dekha Pakistan, Jaan Se Mera Dharti Pe Iman", "Main Bhi Pakistan Hoon To Bhi Pakistan Hai", "Jeeve Jeeve Pakistan".
Both the prime ministers and Chief of Army Staff Chief General Asim Munir applauded the tune builders with smiles and applause.
Also the members of Pakistani delegation participating in the lunch gave their appreciation to the band with full applause.
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his Chinese counterpart Li Qiang signed 23 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in Beijing to deepen bilateral cooperation in multiple areas including energy, agriculture, media, and health.
The delegation-level talks aimed at reaffirming mutual trust, shared principles, and strategic governance that characterize the Pakistan-China Strategic Cooperative Partnership, said Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch.
While addressing the weekly press briefing, she said both Pakistan and China expressed unwavering support for each other’s core issues.
She added both countries also reiterated their commitment to the high-quality development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the timely completion of ongoing development projects.
She stated both Pakistan and China also resolved to protect the CPEC from detractors and adversaries.
She said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed vow to ensure the safety and security of Chinese engineers and workers in Pakistan, adding the two countries agreed to maintain high-level exchanges, including strengthening of institutional linkages in all tiers and spheres.
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was given a guard of honour at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Friday.
Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang welcomed Shehbaz Sharif upon his arrival at the formal reception ceremony in the Great Hall of the People.
Smartly turned-out contingents of the People’s Liberation Army presented the guard of honour to the prime minister.
