BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday praised Pakistan’s role in promoting peace in the Middle East during a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Beijing.
The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening strategic and security cooperation between the longtime allies. According to Chinese media, the meeting focused on bilateral relations, regional developments, security cooperation and expanding practical partnership between Pakistan and China.
President Xi described Prime Minister Shehbaz as an “old friend” and said China and Pakistan had built an “unbreakable traditional friendship.” He emphasized the need to further strengthen high-level security cooperation between the two countries.
The Chinese president also stated that both nations should jointly oppose unilateral policies and Cold War mentality. During the meeting, Xi Jinping welcomed Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and acknowledged his recent visit to Iran aimed at peace making. He said China and Pakistan had always understood and trusted each other, adding the friendship between the two countries continues across generations.
President Xi noted that strategic mutual trust and practical cooperation had played a vital role in the development of both countries, adding that Pakistan remains a priority partner for China despite changing global circumstances.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed pleasure over his visit to China and congratulated the people of both countries on the completion of 75 years of diplomatic relations. He said the enduring friendship between Pakistan and China is rooted in the vision of their founding leaders.
The prime minister stated that both countries would continue efforts to further strengthen bilateral ties, describing Pakistan and China as “iron brothers” bound by a unique relationship. He also said Pakistan’s unwavering commitment would continue to reinforce cooperation with China.
Referring to China’s global role, Shehbaz Sharif said that under President Xi Jinping’s leadership, China has emerged as a major economic and military power contributing significantly to global peace and development.
He praised the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), describing them as projects of prosperity, development, and friendship.
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz visited Tiananmen Square in Beijing and laid a wreath at the Monument to the People’s Heroes. National anthems of both countries were played during the ceremony. Members of the Pakistani delegation, federal ministers, and senior Chinese officials were also present on the occasion.