Pakistan, China Reaffirm Strategic Partnership Ahead of PM’s Visit to Beijing

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with the visiting Chinese Foreign Minister at the Prime Minister’s House, expressing deep appreciation for China’s steadfast support for Pakistan’s sovereignty and regional integrity.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, and senior members of the cabinet.

Prime Minister Sharif lauded the leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping and conveyed his eagerness for his forthcoming visit to Beijing and Tianjin, where he is scheduled to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit and commemorate events marking the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II.

The Chinese Foreign Minister reiterated China’s commitment to prioritizing Pakistan within its neighborhood diplomacy framework.

Highlighting Pakistan’s ambitions to deepen bilateral cooperation, Prime Minister Sharif emphasized expanding ties in trade, investment, information and communication technology (ICT), agriculture, and mineral resources. He underscored the strategic importance of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a cornerstone for Pakistan’s socio-economic development and regional connectivity.

Describing Pakistan as China’s “ironclad friend” and “all-weather strategic partner,” the Chinese Foreign Minister affirmed that China will continue collaborating closely with Pakistan to promote regional peace, development, and stability.

During his visit, the Chinese Foreign Minister also held talks with President Asif Ali Zardari, who reaffirmed the enduring friendship and strategic partnership between the two countries. President Zardari hailed CPEC as a vital instrument in realizing the shared vision of Pakistan and China.

He further announced that next year will mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, which will be celebrated with appropriate grandeur and solemnity.

The robust Pakistan-China relationship, often described as an “all-weather friendship,” has long been a pillar of regional geopolitics. With shared interests spanning economic development, security cooperation, and strategic alignment, both countries continue to leverage their partnership to address regional challenges and foster stability, making their bilateral ties crucial not only for their own nations but also for broader Asia-Pacific dynamics.