LAHORE: China’s Communist Party Minister Zheng Xiaosong hosted a dinner in the honour of Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif at Beijing on Sunday. Addressing on the occasion, the chief minister said that role of Communist Party in the development of China was of historic importance, adding that the leaders of Communist Party of China have proved that if work was carried out with commitment, enthusiasm and continuity, then no hurdle can stop the process of development. He said that the credit of the popularity gained by China in the world community goes to the leadership of Communist Party of China. “The secret of development of China lies in continuity of its policies, as the country achieved unprecedented success due to its determined leadership during previous decades,” he added. Shahbaz said that the Chinese leadership has expressed full confidence in the present leadership of Pakistan, adding that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor was a proof that the Chinese had complete faith in Pakistan, which could never be forgotten. The chief minister said that political parties of Pakistan could learn a lot from Communist Party of China, as under the its talented leadership, China achieved the goals of unprecedented progress. He said that relations between Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and Communist Party of China were being promoted so that the people of Pakistan and China could come further close to each other. “These relations are expanding due to exchange of delegations at party level. China is a sincere and trusted friend of Pakistan and people and government of Pakistan are proud of their unflinching friendship with China,” he added. Zheng Xiaosong on the occasion welcomed Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and members of his entourage on arrival at Beijing and said that China attached great importance to its relations with Pakistan. He said that the vision of public service of Shahbaz Sharif was liked in China, adding that the role of Shahbaz Sharif in promoting ties between China and Pakistan was commendable. Other members of the delegation were also present at the dinner. Shahbaz Sharif reached Beijing on a five-day visit to China, where senior Chinese authorities accorded him a warm welcome at the airport. Pakistani ambassador in China was also present on the occasion. Talking to media, the chief minister said that the purpose of his visit to China was to further promote cooperation in different sectors of life between Punjab and China besides expediting the wheel of development cooperation. Earlier, when the chief minister left for China, he was seen off by Chinese Counsel General Yu Born at the airport. During his visit to China, the chief minister would meet senior authorities and office-bearers of Communist Party of China. He will also hold meetings with Pakistani students and traders residing in China. The chief minister would also call on Chinese investors, business personalities and industrialists. Talking before his departure, Shahbaz Sharif said that relations between Pakistan and China are strengthening with the passage of time, adding that both countries have a similar stance over regional and international issues. He said that CPEC has given new dimension to the friendship of both countries and work on CPEC projects was being carried out expeditiously. He said that trade, economic and industrial ties would be promoted between the two countries as a result of his visit.