PM Shehbaz reaffirms ‘iron brother’ ties with China during meeting with President Xi

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with China during talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping held as part of celebrations marking 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Addressing the meeting, the prime minister described Pakistan-China ties as a unique and unparalleled relationship that had grown stronger over more than seven decades.

“Today marks the 75th year of our glorious partnership in terms of friendly diplomatic relations,” PM Shehbaz said while congratulating the leadership and people of both countries on the milestone anniversary.

He said the enduring friendship was rooted in the vision of the founding leaders of Pakistan and China, adding that both countries had planned year-long celebrations to commemorate the occasion.

The premier reiterated that Pakistan and China remained “iron brothers” and described the bilateral relationship as unmatched in international relations.

Praising President Xi Jinping’s leadership, Shehbaz Sharif said China had emerged as a major global economic and military power while continuing to promote peace, multilateralism and international development.

Referring to his recent visit to Hangzhou, the prime minister said he had witnessed China’s rapid progress in infrastructure, technology and urban development.

He also mentioned visiting Alibaba Group, saying China’s transformation reflected President Xi’s vision and leadership during his tenure in Zhejiang province.

The prime minister praised President Xi’s Belt and Road Initiative and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, stating that both initiatives had promoted prosperity, regional connectivity and international cooperation.

“True leadership is earned through selfless hard work, sacrifice and untiring efforts,” Shehbaz Sharif said, adding that President Xi’s governance model centred on people-focused development and shared prosperity.

The prime minister said Pakistan had also initiated major structural reforms and economic transformation measures, adding that his government, along with Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Syed Asim Munir, remained committed to continuing the reform agenda.

Earlier, President Xi Jinping welcomed the Pakistani delegation and conveyed warm wishes to the people of Pakistan.

The Chinese president appreciated Islamabad’s constructive role in promoting regional peace and stability and described Pakistan-China friendship as unbreakable.

“Our strategic mutual trust and practical cooperation have greatly contributed to the development of both countries,” President Xi said.

He added that China had consistently prioritised relations with Pakistan in its neighbourhood diplomacy despite changing global circumstances.

President Xi also referred to a recent letter from Pakistani students studying in China and said he was encouraged to see the younger generation committed to carrying forward the legacy of Pakistan-China friendship.