Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday described China’s relationship with Pakistan as “unbreakable” during talks with the country’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Beijing, as the two countries moved to deepen their longstanding strategic partnership.
Meeting at the Great Hall of the People, Xi welcomed Sharif as an “old friend” and said China and Pakistan had consistently trusted, supported and understood each other over the decades.
Pakistan remains one of the few countries designated by China as an “all-weather strategic partner,” reflecting extensive cooperation in trade, infrastructure, security and economic development.
Xi said China would continue to prioritise ties with Pakistan regardless of changes in the international situation and called for stronger cooperation in sectors including agriculture, industry, artificial intelligence and talent development.
According to Chinese state broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV), Xi emphasised the need for maintaining high-level exchanges and enhancing strategic communication between the two countries. He also said Beijing is willing to work with Islamabad to build a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future.
Sharif, in response, described the two nations as “iron brothers” and said the bilateral relationship was unmatched.
The Pakistani Prime Minister was accompanied by army chief Asim Munir, who recently visited Iran amid ongoing diplomatic efforts linked to regional tensions.
During the meeting, Xi also acknowledged Pakistan’s role in promoting peace efforts related to the Iran conflict. Pakistan has recently facilitated mediation contacts between Washington and Tehran following the fragile ceasefire reached earlier this year.
“I know that you have just returned from Iran and made positive efforts for the current peace. We appreciate the constructive role played by Pakistan,” Xi said, according to Chinese media reports.
The Chinese leader further stressed the importance of broader security cooperation between Beijing and Islamabad to help maintain regional peace and stability.
China and Pakistan had earlier jointly called for peace negotiations and the restoration of normal navigation through the Strait of Hormuz during a meeting of their foreign ministers in Beijing in March.
