Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening its friendship with China. Addressing a ceremony in connection with the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China in Islamabad today, he extended heartfelt congratulations to Chinese President Xi Jinping and the people of China on their National Day. The Prime Minister said China plays 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. He said 2026 holds special significance as Pakistan and China are celebrating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. He said the relationship between Pakistan and China has grown stronger over the decades. He said our iron-clad friendship has always withstood the test of time, including earthquakes, storms, and floods. Shehbaz Sharif said the two countries are entering the next phase of CPEC, known as CPEC 2.0, with an enhanced focus on industrialization, 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 was ready to depart for China. He 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. He 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 the peoples of both countries. Quoting a Chinese saying, ‘A bosom friend afar brings distant lands near’, he added that these words reflect the friendship and closeness shared by the two nations. 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 Ambassador said Pakistan has championed multilateralism and international cooperation, playing a vital role in safeguarding peace and security within the region and beyond. He 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. Jiang Zaidong 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. He also highlighted practical cooperation between the two countries across various sectors.
