ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met a high-level Chinese delegation led by Tsai Dafeng in the federal capital.
The delegation is visiting Pakistan to participate in celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.
The meeting was attended by Ayaz Sadiq, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Prime Minister’s aide Tariq Fatemi and Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch.
Welcoming the Chinese guests, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the historic and strategic partnership between Pakistan and China.
He said the two countries had built a unique relationship over the past 75 years based on mutual trust and strategic coordination on bilateral and regional matters.
The prime minister congratulated Xi Jinping, Li Qiang and the Chinese people on the anniversary of diplomatic ties and reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for China’s core national interests.
He also appreciated China’s continued support for Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Shehbaz Sharif described the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor as a game changer for Pakistan’s socio-economic development and reiterated Islamabad’s commitment to the next phase of the project focusing on agriculture, information technology, industry and minerals.
The prime minister added that he looked forward to his upcoming official visit to China.
Discussing regional affairs, Shehbaz Sharif appreciated China’s constructive role in promoting peace and stability in South Asia and the Middle East and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to regional harmony and multilateral cooperation.
Tsai Dafeng thanked the prime minister for the warm welcome and hospitality and exchanged congratulations on the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
He said the Chinese leadership remained committed to strengthening Pakistan-China relations and would continue supporting Pakistan and working closely to build a shared future community between the two countries.
The Chinese leader also expressed support for Pakistan’s role in regional peace efforts and said China would continue contributing to global peace and stability.
Both sides emphasised that the “iron brotherhood” between Pakistan and China remained an important pillar for peace, development and stability in the region.