ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan addressed a virtual ceremony to mark the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Communist Party of China (CPC), praising the strong bond between Islamabad and Beijing and saying that his country had reviewed its policy options in the context of emerging global realities and shifted its orientation from geopolitics to geoeconomics.

“China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the flagship project of BRI [Belt and Road Initiative], complements Pakistan’s renewed efforts of this geo-economic shift with emphasis on economic integration and regional connectivity,” he told the gathering through a video link.

According to the Associated Press of Pakistan, Khan said his country’s close diplomatic bond with China was in line with their vision of peace for themselves and others since it was based on shared prosperity and development within the region.

“Pakistan and China are iron brothers,” he continued. “We support each other on issues of our respective core interests.”

Praising the CPC, the prime minister said its emergence inspired a new vision among colonized nations and played a major role in ending imperial suppression.

He also applauded Chairman Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping for setting the course for their country that led to its prosperity.

“The CPC’s achievements of all-round national development, poverty alleviation, anti-corruption, and nation building, are truly remarkable,” he said.

Khan maintained that political parties should only strive for power to bring about necessary social transformation and selflessly serving people.

He also acknowledged the visionary leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping who had not just helped his nation continue its journey to greater prosperity but also moved toward regional connectivity to make that progress more sustainable by including other countries.

The prime minister was invited to speak on the occasion by President Xi and the general secretary of the Chinese communist party.