BEIJING (Agencies) –Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday reaffirmed Beijing’s long-standing strategic partnership with Pakistan during high-level talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Beijing, as the two countries pledged to further strengthen cooperation in trade, security, infrastructure and regional diplomacy.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in the Chinese capital as part of his four-day official visit aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation and celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations between Islamabad and Beijing.
During the meeting at the Great Hall of the People, President Xi described Pakistan as China’s “all-weather strategic cooperative partner” and said the friendship between the two countries had remained firm despite global political and economic changes.
Xi noted that Pakistan and China had consistently supported each other over decades and had built what he called an “unbreakable friendship”. He stressed that Beijing would continue to prioritise relations with Islamabad as an important pillar of its neighbourhood diplomacy.
The Chinese president said China was prepared to work closely with Pakistan to deepen strategic coordination, accelerate practical cooperation and contribute to regional peace and stability.
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He also appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts in promoting peace in the Middle East, particularly amid recent tensions involving Iran and the United States.
Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir was also present during the talks after recently concluding a visit to Tehran.
President Xi acknowledged Pakistan’s mediation efforts and praised Islamabad’s constructive role in supporting dialogue and regional stability.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his remarks, termed China and Pakistan “iron brothers” and said the relationship between the two countries was unmatched in international diplomacy.
He credited the founding leadership of both nations for laying the foundation of a partnership that had continued to grow stronger over the past seven decades.
The prime minister praised President Xi’s leadership and said China had emerged not only as a major economic power but also as a global force promoting peace, multilateralism and development.
Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the importance of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, calling it a transformational initiative for Pakistan’s economy and infrastructure.
He said Pakistan was committed to advancing the next phase of CPEC with greater focus on industrialisation, connectivity, agriculture, science and technology, digital transformation and clean energy projects.
According to official statements issued after the meetings, both sides agreed to further deepen strategic coordination and expand cooperation in multiple sectors.
Pakistan reiterated its firm support for the One China Principle and appreciated Beijing’s consistent backing for Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and economic development.
The discussions also covered regional and international developments, including peace efforts in the Middle East and the broader geopolitical situation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz later held delegation-level talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, where both leaders stressed the need for closer coordination to promote regional peace and economic stability.
Addressing the meeting, the Pakistani premier said the world was passing through a critical period and emphasised the importance of collective diplomatic efforts to prevent further instability.
He stated that Pakistan had sincerely worked to support mediation efforts between Tehran and Washington and expressed optimism that peace initiatives were moving in a positive direction.
The two sides also witnessed the signing and exchange of multiple memorandums of understanding, protocols and cooperation agreements covering trade, investment, agriculture, climate change, education, science and technology, media cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.
Several agreements focused on strengthening economic development cooperation, environmental collaboration and agricultural exports from Pakistan to China.
The countries also signed agreements related to counterterrorism cooperation, human resource development, scientific exchanges and educational collaboration between institutions from both sides.
Officials said Pakistan and China agreed to maintain close coordination on major projects and ensure timely implementation of bilateral initiatives.
Prime Minister Shehbaz also appreciated China’s support for Pakistan’s economic stability and reiterated Islamabad’s commitment to ensuring the security of Chinese nationals and projects operating in the country.
The premier highlighted the growing cooperation between the two countries in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, advanced technology and space exploration.
He noted that the recent selection of Pakistani astronauts for China’s space station programme reflected the deepening strategic partnership between the two nations.
During the visit, Prime Minister Shehbaz is also expected to attend ceremonies marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Pakistan and China.
His engagements in China have largely focused on attracting investment, expanding business cooperation and strengthening strategic coordination in key sectors of the economy.
