PM Sharif Reaffirms Pakistan’s Resolve to Further Strengthen Ties with China

September 30, 2026 at 11:27 PM
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ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm resolve to further strengthen ties with China, saying the two countries will continue working towards building a closer community with a shared future in the new era.

Addressing a ceremony in Islamabad marking the 77th National Day of the People’s Republic of China, Prime Minister Sharif said Pakistan-China relations had grown stronger over the years and described the two countries’ friendship as “iron-clad” and resilient in the face of natural disasters and other challenges.

The Prime Minister extended his heartfelt congratulations to Chinese President Xi Jinping and the people of China on their National Day.

He said China has played a pivotal role in global peace, stability, and development and has achieved unprecedented progress in human development, infrastructure, science, technology, and innovation under President Xi Jinping’s leadership.

PM Sharif said the relationship between the two countries has grown stronger over the years and their iron-clad friendship has withstood the test of time, including earthquakes, storms, and floods.

The Prime Minister said the two countries are entering the next phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) with an enhanced focus on industrialisation, Special Economic Zones, information technology and artificial intelligence, agriculture, and the mining and minerals sector.

He said progress in agriculture is highly encouraging, noting that the first group of 1,000 Pakistani agricultural graduates had completed their training in China, while the next group of another 1,000 is ready to depart for China.

Prime Minister Sharif termed it a valuable investment in the skills and future of the country’s youth.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan-China relations are an anchor of Pakistan’s foreign policy.

PM Sharif added that his conversation with President Xi Jinping in May this year reaffirmed their enduring friendship.

He said Pakistan remains fully committed to implementing the important consensus reached between the leadership of the two countries for the mutual benefit of their peoples.

Quoting a Chinese saying, the Prime Minister said, “A bosom friend afar brings distant lands near,” adding that these words reflect the friendship and closeness shared by the two nations.

Speaking on the occasion, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong termed China and Pakistan as all-weather strategic cooperative partners.

He said Pakistan is playing an increasingly important role on the international stage, driven by its principled stance, broad global vision, and profound diplomatic insight.

The Chinese Ambassador said Pakistan has championed multilateralism and international cooperation, playing a vital role in safeguarding peace and security within the region and beyond.

Ambassador Zaidong said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif vigorously defended Pakistan’s national interests during his address to the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, where Pakistan’s position on international and regional issues was appreciated by the global community.

The Chinese Ambassador said the journey of the past 75 years demonstrates that China and Pakistan have stood by each other through joy and sorrow and remained united like brothers through thick and thin.

The Ambassador also highlighted practical cooperation between the two countries across various sectors.

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