Pakistan, China reaffirm ‘ironclad’ ties as PM meets senior Chinese official

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening its strategic partnership with China during a meeting with a high-level Chinese delegation led by Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC), Cai Dafeng.

The delegation is visiting Pakistan to participate in celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.

During the meeting, the prime minister described Pakistan-China relations as a “historic, time-tested All Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership,” saying the two countries had built a unique bond anchored in mutual trust and strategic convergence on regional and bilateral issues over the past 75 years.

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Sharif conveyed greetings to Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang and the Chinese people on the anniversary occasion, while reiterating Pakistan’s support for China’s core interests.

He also appreciated Beijing’s continued support for Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The prime minister praised the role of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor in Pakistan’s socio-economic development and reaffirmed Islamabad’s resolve to advance the next phase of CPEC cooperation focused on agriculture, information technology, industry and mining.

Sharif said he was looking forward to his upcoming official visit to China.

Discussing regional developments, the prime minister appreciated China’s “constructive role” in promoting peace and stability in South Asia and the Middle East, while reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to regional harmony and multilateral cooperation.

Cai Dafeng thanked the prime minister for the warm welcome and said the Chinese leadership remained committed to further strengthening bilateral ties.

He said China would continue supporting Pakistan and deepen cooperation to build a “China-Pakistan Community with a Shared Future.”

The Chinese dignitary also expressed support for Pakistan’s role in ongoing regional peace efforts and said Beijing would continue contributing to global peace and stability.

Both sides underscored the Pakistan-China “ironclad brotherhood” as a key pillar for peace, development and regional stability.

National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi and Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch also attended the meeting.