In a significant development, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed gratitude for China’s unwavering economic assistance and reiterated Pakistan’s dedication to advancing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) 2.0. His focus remains on enhancing agriculture, industrial collaboration, and key infrastructure projects under this initiative.
During a meeting with China’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, the prime minister stressed the necessity of maintaining close coordination at all levels on matters of shared interest. He also reaffirmed the strength of the Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership, underscoring its enduring nature.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Syed Tariq Fatemi, and the Foreign Secretary were present at the meeting. PM Shehbaz extended congratulations to the Chinese leadership on the successful conclusion of the “Two Sessions” and conveyed appreciation to President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and Foreign Minister Wang Yi for their warm greetings on Pakistan Day.
Ambassador Jiang praised Pakistan’s economic resilience and reform initiatives, assuring continued Chinese support, particularly in trade and investment sectors. Both sides expressed satisfaction with ongoing diplomatic exchanges and anticipated high-level engagements to commemorate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Meanwhile, the prime minister highlighted Pakistan’s positive role in fostering de-escalation and regional stability while discussing the wider regional context. In parallel, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi noted a “glimmer of hope” for peace emerging from efforts to halt the conflict in the Middle East, despite Iran’s commitment to continue fighting.
Wang Yi encouraged dialogue during separate conversations with his Turkish and Egyptian counterparts, indicating that both Tehran and Washington had shown signs of readiness to return to negotiations. He stated, “With both the United States and Iran signalling a willingness to negotiate, a glimmer of hope for peace has emerged,” in remarks made to Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty.
However, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi countered these statements by asserting that no negotiations had taken place so far and emphasized that Iran’s position remained firmly principled. He added, “Speaking of negotiations now is an admission of defeat,” highlighting the ongoing complexities in the peace process.
