- Premier Shehbaz joins high-level Global Development Initiative session chaired by Premier Li Qiang
- Meets UN Secretary-General António Guterres on sidelines of the forum
- In talks with Sri Lankan President, PM vows deeper cooperation in trade, defense, culture
NEW YORK/ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday attended the high-level meeting of the Global Development Initiative (GDI), chaired by Chinese Premier Li Qiang, under the theme “Recommit to our Original Aspirations, United to Build a Brighter Future for Development.”
During the session, the prime minister also held an informal conversation with Premier Li Qiang and met with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, who was present on the occasion. His participation in the GDI forum was seen as a reaffirmation of the exemplary Pakistan-China friendship and the enduring strength of bilateral ties.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif attends High Level Meeting of the Global Development Initiative (GDI) on the theme “Recommit to our Original Aspirations, United to Build a Brighter Future of Global Development” convened by the Chinese Premier H.E Li Qiang. New York, 24… pic.twitter.com/yqmuOqb4kZ
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) September 24, 2025
It may be recalled that during his visit to China last month, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lauded President Xi Jinping’s vision for the GDI, terming it a pivotal initiative to promote sustainable development at regional and global levels.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif attends the High Level Meeting of the Global Development Initiative (GDI) on the theme “Recommit to our Original Aspirations, United to Build a Brighter Future of Global Development” convened by the Chinese Premier H.E. Li Qiang.… pic.twitter.com/8cjfX3dimv
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) September 24, 2025
Meeting with Sri Lankan President
Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening its multifaceted engagement with Sri Lanka across political, economic, cultural, and defense spheres. He expressed these views during a bilateral meeting with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, held on the sidelines of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a bilateral meeting with H.E. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka on the margins of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Discussion between the two… pic.twitter.com/wOHEu55pad
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) September 24, 2025
The discussions took place in a warm and cordial atmosphere, reflecting the longstanding goodwill and friendship between the two nations. Both leaders reviewed progress in bilateral trade, educational linkages, cultural exchanges, and defense cooperation, while also exchanging views on key regional and global developments.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met with the President of Sri Lanka, H.E. Mr. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, on the sidelines of the 80th UNGA Session.
The meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere, where both leaders discussed bilateral trade, education, cultural exchanges,… pic.twitter.com/fgtPDNKrSE
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) September 24, 2025
Prime Minister Shehbaz and President Dissanayake expressed satisfaction at the robust nature of Pakistan-Sri Lanka relations and reiterated their resolve to build further on the existing momentum. Both sides agreed to continue high-level exchanges, deepen cooperation in diverse fields, and expand people-to-people contacts.
The two leaders also highlighted sports as a key area of cooperation, particularly cricket, and agreed to promote greater exchanges in this field as a means of strengthening cultural and social ties.
Reaffirming their shared commitment, the prime minister and the Sri Lankan president vowed to remain closely engaged in ensuring that Pakistan-Sri Lanka relations continue to grow stronger in the years ahead.
