The countries have committed to fostering “high-quality development” of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and have expressed openness to third-party participation in its progress, according to the statement.
On Monday, President Xi Jinping praised China’s “unbreakable” friendship with Pakistan during his meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Beijing, aiming to deepen their “all-weather” alliance.
Xi welcomed the Pakistani leader as an “old friend” at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, noting that both nations have “understood, trusted, and supported each other” throughout the years.
Pakistan is considered part of a select group of nations that China sees as an “all-weather strategic partner,” characterized by robust economic, trade, and security collaboration.
However, incidents involving Islamist militants targeting Chinese nationals and projects in southwestern Pakistan, where China has significant infrastructure investments, have caused concern in Beijing, while Islamabad’s growing relationship with Washington has further complicated their ties.
“Regardless of how the international situation evolves, China consistently prioritizes the advancement of China-Pakistan relations in its neighborhood diplomacy,” Xi mentioned.
China expressed its desire to enhance collaboration with Pakistan in agriculture, industry, artificial intelligence, and talent development, as reported by Chinese state broadcaster CCTV.
Beijing is eager to work alongside Islamabad to create a closely-knit China-Pakistan community with a shared future, with CCTV noting that the Chinese leader emphasized the importance of maintaining high-level exchanges and fortifying strategic communication.
In response, Sharif referred to China and Pakistan as two “iron brother” nations with a relationship that is “unparalleled.”
PAKISTAN’S ‘CONSTRUCTIVE ROLE’
Sharif was joined by Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, who recently met with Iranian leadership in Tehran.
Following a fragile ceasefire in the Iran conflict, achieved in April, Pakistan facilitated mediation discussions between Washington and Tehran, relaying proposals and messages.
Weeks into Islamabad’s diplomatic initiatives, Washington has reported advancement in negotiations with Tehran.
“I know that you have just returned from Iran and made positive efforts for the ongoing peace. We truly value the constructive role of Pakistan,” Xi remarked.
Both countries should aim for higher-level and broader security cooperation to foster regional peace and stability, CCTV quoted Xi as stating, without mentioning any specific conflict.
For Pakistan, involving China in its mediation efforts is crucial due to Beijing and Tehran’s close relations.
In March, China and Pakistan initiated a proposal during a meeting of their foreign ministers in Beijing, advocating for peace talks and the restoration of normal navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
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