"I think our relations with the US must be repaired, as it is very necessary for Pakistan…But it shouldn’t be at the cost of China… and I had told (the Americans) recently in the presence of various dignitaries, including Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. I also told them that similarly, the friendship with China is not at the cost of the US, as both have significance for us," Sharif stated.

Shahbaz, who arrived in Kazakhstan’s capital of Astana on Wednesday for a two-day official visit, represented Pakistan at the SCO meeting where leaders and diplomats from countries including China, India, Turkiye, Iran, Azerbaijan, and Kyrgyzstan have gathered to discuss economic and security cooperation.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to upgrade the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and advance its high-quality development during Sharif's official visit to Beijing.

Sharif is currently on a visit to China at the invitation of President Xi Jinping, seeking to upgrade cooperation under the multi-billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a key part of Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative.