BEIJING (Dunya News) – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Monday that Pakistan fully supports Chinese President Xi Jinping’s four-point peace agenda and remains grateful for China’s continued backing of regional peace efforts.
The prime minister was speaking at a reception given in his honour at the Great Hall of the People.
Earlier, he was accorded warm welcome when he arrived at the Great Hall along with his delegation by Chinese Premier Li Qiang. The two leaders exchanged greetings and a guard of honour was presented by Chinese armed forces after the national anthems of both countries were played.
During delegation-level talks, Prime Minister Shehbaz thanked the Chinese leadership and said every visit to China reflected the country’s remarkable development and modernization.
He also expressed condolences to the people of China over the recent coal mine explosion in Shanxi province, which resulted in casualties and injuries, and conveyed Pakistan’s solidarity with the affected families.
The prime minister said Pakistan and China were celebrating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year, describing the friendship between the two countries as historic and deeply rooted in the vision of their founding leaders.
Referring to regional diplomacy, Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan had played a sincere role in facilitating contacts between the United States and Iran. Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir had recently returned from Tehran after engaging in diplomatic efforts, while Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar had also remained in contact with counterparts in Iran and Gulf countries.
The premier said significant progress had been made toward peace and that developments were moving in a positive direction. He thanked China for supporting Pakistan’s efforts for a ceasefire and regional stability.
He also endorsed President Xi’s four-point peace initiative and referred to a separate five-point proposal announced by Pakistan and China’s foreign ministers aimed at promoting dialogue and de-escalation in the region.
Pakistan will soon stand alongside China in development journey: PM Shehbaz
The Pakistani prime minister noted that recent regional tensions had affected not only global economies but Pakistan as well, stressing the need for collective international efforts to ensure lasting peace.
As part of his visit, Prime Minister Shehbaz is also scheduled to meet President Xi Jinping, attend ceremonies marking 75 years of Pakistan-China diplomatic ties, visit Tiananmen Square to lay a floral wreath at the Monument to the People’s Heroes, and hold meetings with leading Chinese investors and business executives.
CHINESE PREMIER PRAISES PAKISTAN
On the occasion, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said that Pakistan had maintained close communication and coordination with China, safeguarded shared interests and played a positive role in regional stability.
He said President Xi Jinping would meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif later in the day, adding that the meeting would provide strategic guidance for further deepening bilateral ties.
The Chinese premier added that Beijing remained committed to working closely with Pakistan, carrying forward the traditional friendship between the two countries and expanding bilateral cooperation.
“Prime Minister, we are ready to broaden practical cooperation with you and discuss all matters of mutual interest,” Li Qiang said.