Pakistan and China on Thursday reaffirmed their unwavering strategic partnership as Chinese Vice Minister for International Affairs Sun Haiyan met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar during her official visit to Pakistan.
During her meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Sun Haiyan conveyed China’s commitment to further strengthening long-standing relations with Pakistan across all fields. The prime minister said Pakistan’s all-weather strategic cooperative partnership with China would remain unshakeable at all times.
He emphasized that the relationship is built on mutual trust, shared interests, and enduring friendship.
Timely implementation of next CPEC phase
Prime Minister Sharif stressed the need for the timely implementation of the next phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He lauded China’s generous support for Pakistan’s economic development, particularly through CPEC cooperation.
The prime minister said this year marks an important milestone in bilateral relations and reiterated Pakistan’s firm commitment to the One China Policy.
He conveyed his warm greetings to Xi Jinping and the Chinese leadership. He once again invited President Xi to undertake an official visit to Pakistan this year, calling it a special and symbolic moment as both countries celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations.
He noted that the anniversary reflects decades of cooperation and shared progress.
Pakistan’s political and economic stability
Sun Haiyan congratulated the prime minister on achieving economic and political stability in Pakistan. She said Pakistan’s diplomatic achievements are a source of pride for the Chinese nation.
She also appreciated Sharif’s leadership role in uniting political forces in Pakistan for effective governance, highlighting strong party-to-party ties between the Communist Party of China and political parties in Pakistan.
The Chinese vice minister said the Communist Party of China has maintained excellent relations with a wide range of political parties in Pakistan. She emphasized the importance of deepening inter-party collaboration through institutional mechanisms to support long-term bilateral cooperation.
She reaffirmed China’s resolve to strengthen these ties further in the years ahead.
Meeting with Dar focuses on regional issues
Sun Haiyan also met Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, where both sides discussed bilateral relations, the regional situation, and matters of mutual interest. Dar welcomed the inauguration of celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations.
Both sides agreed to celebrate the milestone in a befitting manner throughout the year.
During the meeting, Pakistan and China underscored the importance of promoting cultural cooperation and expanding people-to-people exchanges. Dar noted that such engagement strengthens the “iron friendship” between the two nations.
He said bilateral efforts will continue to deepen mutual understanding and cooperation at all levels.
