Islamabad (TDI): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday lauded China’s longstanding and unwavering support for Pakistan, saying the bilateral relationship has remained resilient through every challenge and grown stronger over the decades.
Speaking at a ceremony in Islamabad marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries, the leadership described Pakistan–China friendship as a unique and time-tested partnership rooted in mutual trust and shared development goals.
The Prime Minister said that Pakistan was the first Islamic country to recognise China and described the anniversary celebrations as a matter of pride for the nation.
He said Pakistan–China relations represent a unique example of friendship in international relations, adding that the partnership has stood the test of time and continues to deepen across multiple sectors.
He reiterated Pakistan’s firm support for the “One China” policy and said Beijing had provided crucial assistance during floods and other natural disasters in Pakistan.
Highlighting economic cooperation, PM Shehbaz said the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) remains central to Pakistan’s development, particularly in terms of economic growth and job creation.
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He also lauded China’s development achievements, stating that it has lifted around 800 million people out of poverty and serves as a model of economic and strategic progress.
Referring to education cooperation, the prime minister said Pakistan’s commitment to send 1,000 students to China has been successfully implemented, thanking Beijing for its support in turning the initiative into reality.
He added that bilateral cooperation in counterterrorism is being further strengthened, while also stressing that the safety of Chinese citizens working in Pakistan remains a top priority.
On regional developments, PM Shehbaz said Pakistan is actively engaged in efforts to help resolve the US-Iran conflict and that China has supported Islamabad’s mediation role in the process.
At the same ceremony, President Asif Ali Zardari congratulated the Chinese leadership and people, particularly President Xi Jinping, on the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
He said Pakistan and China’s relationship is based on mutual trust, shared development goals, and unwavering support at critical moments.
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The president noted that cooperation between the two countries has expanded significantly in areas including trade, infrastructure, defense, technology, agriculture, and education.
He said both countries have consistently supported each other on core national interests and continue to work closely on regional and global issues related to peace, stability, and multilateralism.
Zardari also thanked China for its support in key development projects, especially Gwadar Port, and described CPEC as a transformative initiative for Pakistan’s socio-economic progress.
Praising President Xi Jinping’s leadership, he said China’s rapid economic development and poverty reduction achievements are unprecedented.
The president shared that he has visited China 14 times, including two visits last year, and recently visited the birthplace of Chairman Mao Zedong during his latest trip.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, President Zardari unveiled a commemorative postage stamp to mark the 75th anniversary of Pakistan–China diplomatic ties.
The event was attended by senior political leadership, including Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gillani, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and other officials.
