Islamabad, January 31, 2025 – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with the Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, to discuss ongoing bilateral cooperation between the two countries, focusing on enhancing economic ties and strengthening security collaboration.
The meeting, held at the Prime Minister’s office, underscored the continued commitment of both nations to further deepen their relationship, particularly in the fields of trade, investment, and security. Prime Minister Sharif warmly welcomed Ambassador Zaidong, highlighting the long-standing friendship and strategic partnership between Pakistan and China, which has been a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Sharif conveyed his best wishes to the Chinese leadership, the people of China, and all Chinese nationals residing in Pakistan, as they celebrated the Chinese New Year. He expressed hope that the upcoming year would further solidify the bonds of friendship between the two countries and lead to mutual prosperity. The Prime Minister’s heartfelt message reflected the warmth and camaraderie that define Pakistan-China relations.
Ambassador Zaidong, in response, thanked the Prime Minister and the people of Pakistan for their kind wishes and expressed his gratitude for the continued support that Pakistan extends to China, especially in fostering closer ties between the two nations. The Ambassador emphasized the importance of the strategic partnership and highlighted that the Chinese government values its relationship with Pakistan as one of its most important international alliances.
The discussion covered a wide array of topics, with particular attention given to the ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing economic cooperation between the two countries. Both sides reiterated their commitment to advancing bilateral trade and investment projects, especially under the framework of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship initiative that aims to connect Pakistan to China through a network of highways, railways, and energy projects.
In addition to economic cooperation, the Prime Minister and the Chinese Ambassador also discussed matters of security collaboration, underscoring the shared interest in maintaining stability and combating terrorism in the region. Both Pakistan and China have long collaborated on security issues, and the Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to working closely with China on counter-terrorism efforts and ensuring regional peace.
Prime Minister Sharif also highlighted the importance of the people-to-people exchanges between Pakistan and China, which play a vital role in strengthening bilateral ties. These exchanges, he noted, foster greater mutual understanding and cooperation in diverse fields such as culture, education, and tourism.
As the two countries look ahead to the future, their partnership continues to evolve in various dimensions, encompassing not only trade and investment but also political, cultural, and security cooperation. Prime Minister Sharif’s meeting with Ambassador Zaidong reflects the ongoing commitment to enhancing these ties and ensuring that Pakistan-China relations remain a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy.
The Chinese Ambassador expressed confidence that the year ahead would witness even greater progress in the bilateral relationship, bringing new opportunities for both countries to work together in advancing shared interests. As Pakistan and China celebrate their deep-rooted ties, the future looks bright for continued collaboration and mutual growth.