Beijing (TDI): Chinese President Xi Jinping has reaffirmed the “unbreakable” friendship between China and Pakistan during a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Beijing, emphasizing the continued strengthening of their “all-weather strategic partnership.”
The meeting took place at the Great Hall of the People during PM Shehbaz’s four-day official visit to China, where he was warmly received and later joined delegation-level talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang.
President Xi referred to Prime Minister Shehbaz as an “old friend” and said that China and Pakistan have consistently supported each other over the decades. He stressed that despite changes in the global environment, Beijing continues to prioritize its relationship with Islamabad as a key element of its regional diplomacy.
Xi also expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s recent diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions in the Middle East, particularly its role in facilitating communication between the United States and Iran during ongoing regional instability.
Prime Minister Shehbaz, in response, described Pakistan and China as “iron brothers” and urged both countries to remain closely aligned in efforts to promote peace and stability in the region. He said the world was going through a critical period and called for stronger cooperation to help restore global peace and economic normalcy.
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He also highlighted Pakistan’s role in mediation efforts related to the Iran-US situation, noting that senior Pakistani leadership, including the military and foreign office, had been actively engaged in diplomatic outreach.
During the talks, Shehbaz thanked China for its continued support to Pakistan’s development and economic stability. He said the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations should be used to turn long-standing goodwill into practical and future-oriented cooperation.
Both sides reaffirmed their support on core issues of mutual interest and expressed satisfaction with progress in key areas, including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). They agreed to accelerate the next phase of CPEC with a focus on industrial development, connectivity, agriculture, clean energy, digital transformation, and science and technology.
The two countries also signed multiple agreements and memorandums of understanding covering trade, agriculture, climate change, education, media cooperation, counterterrorism, and technological development.
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Officials said both sides aim to deepen cooperation further in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, space technology, and advanced sciences, while also strengthening people-to-people and institutional exchanges.
The visit underscores what both governments describe as a long-standing strategic partnership, with renewed emphasis on economic collaboration, regional diplomacy, and shared development goals.
