International Desk: Chinese President Xi Jinping held an official meeting with visiting Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Monday afternoon (May 25).

During the meeting, President Xi noted that over the 75 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan, the two countries have consistently demonstrated mutual understanding, trust, and unwavering support for one another. This enduring partnership, he said, has forged an ironclad traditional friendship between the two nations. Strategic mutual trust and practical cooperation have played a vital role in advancing the national development of both countries.

President Xi emphasized that regardless of changes in the international landscape, China has always placed the development of relations with Pakistan at the highest priority in its neighborhood diplomacy.

He further stated that both nations should accelerate efforts to build an even closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era. Such cooperation, he said, would strengthen all-weather strategic collaboration, bring greater benefits to the peoples of both countries, contribute to regional peace and stability, and set a model for building a community with a shared future among neighboring nations.

Xi Jinping reaffirmed China’s firm support for Pakistan in safeguarding its independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. He expressed China’s willingness to maintain high-level bilateral exchanges, deepen strategic communication, and ensure the continued sound direction of bilateral relations.

The Chinese president also stressed the importance of advancing not only major flagship projects under China-Pakistan cooperation but also “small yet impactful” livelihood-oriented initiatives that directly benefit ordinary people. He called for deeper collaboration in agriculture, industry, artificial intelligence, and human resource development.

President Xi further highlighted the need for broader and higher-level security cooperation to jointly safeguard regional peace and stability. He highly appreciated Pakistan’s proactive diplomatic efforts and mediating role in promoting peace in the Middle East.

Both sides, he added, should continue close coordination in opposing unilateralism and Cold War mentality while jointly promoting an equitable and orderly multipolar world as well as inclusive economic globalization.

In his remarks, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described President Xi Jinping as not only a great friend of the Pakistani people but also one of the world’s most respected leaders and advocates of peace.

Sharif praised China’s remarkable economic achievements under President Xi’s visionary leadership, saying they have provided strong momentum for global peace and the development of a multipolar world order. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to the One-China policy and reiterated Islamabad’s unconditional support for China on all issues concerning its core interests.

“Pakistan will always stand firmly beside China as its trusted friend and reliable partner,” the Pakistani prime minister stated.

He also expressed Pakistan’s keen interest in jointly celebrating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations with China, learning from China’s successful governance experience, deepening Belt and Road cooperation, and further advancing the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Sharif conveyed special gratitude to China for supporting Pakistan’s mediation efforts in the ongoing dialogue between the United States and Iran. Referring to President Xi’s four-point proposal on the Middle East situation, he described it as a highly constructive and visionary roadmap for achieving peace in the region.

The Pakistani prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to maintaining close coordination with China in the days ahead to contribute jointly to global peace and stability.

Source: Xueyi, Touhid & Jiniya, China Media Group (CMG).