Beijing, May 25 (Xinhua)

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday called for China and Pakistan to strengthen efforts toward building a closer community with a shared future in the new era and to expand the scope of their all-weather strategic cooperation. The remarks were made during his meeting in Beijing with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

During the discussions, Xi emphasized that stronger bilateral cooperation should deliver tangible benefits to the people of both nations while also contributing to regional peace, stability, and development. He noted that China and Pakistan have developed a resilient and enduring friendship since the establishment of diplomatic relations 75 years ago. According to Xi, the longstanding partnership and mutual trust between the two countries have significantly contributed to their respective national development goals.

Xi reiterated that China consistently places high importance on its relationship with Pakistan as part of its broader neighborhood diplomacy, regardless of shifts in the international landscape. He also shared that he had recently received a letter from Pakistani students studying at Tianjin University, who expressed their commitment to promoting bilateral cooperation, cultural exchanges, and the traditional friendship between the two countries. Xi described the message as encouraging and said it reflected the continuation of strong ties between future generations of both nations.

The Chinese president reaffirmed Beijing’s support for Pakistan in safeguarding its independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. He stressed the importance of maintaining high-level exchanges and strengthening strategic communication to ensure the steady development of bilateral relations. Xi further called for effective implementation of the action plan aimed at building a China-Pakistan community with a shared future.

He highlighted the need to advance both major infrastructure projects and smaller community-focused initiatives while deepening cooperation in sectors such as agriculture, industry, artificial intelligence, and talent development. Xi also underscored the importance of enhancing security cooperation to safeguard regional stability and praised Pakistan for its diplomatic efforts in promoting peace in the Middle East.

In addition, Xi urged both countries to continue close coordination on international affairs, oppose unilateralism and Cold War-style thinking, and jointly support a more balanced multipolar world and inclusive economic globalization.

Prime Minister Sharif praised Xi as a close friend of the Pakistani people and acknowledged China’s significant economic achievements under Xi’s leadership. He stated that Pakistan firmly adheres to the one-China principle and supports China’s positions on issues concerning its core interests. Sharif also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative and advancing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor to further enhance bilateral relations and mutual prosperity.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spent a productive weekend in Hangzhou, China’s leading economic hub, before arriving in Beijing on Sunday for high-level meetings with the Chinese leadership. During his visit, several memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and agreements reportedly worth over $7 billion were signed between Pakistani and Chinese companies across sectors including renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, technology, and infrastructure.

While addressing the third Pakistan-China B2B Investment Conference in Hangzhou, Sharif assured investors of strong government support, including incentives and facilities in special economic zones (SEZs). He identified agriculture, information technology, mining, and industrial cooperation as key areas for future collaboration.

The prime minister also visited Alibaba headquarters, where further MoUs were signed. Meetings with major Chinese firms including Alibaba, CATL, StarCharge, and Xiuzheng Pharmaceutical focused on investment opportunities in renewable energy, electric vehicle infrastructure, healthcare, artificial intelligence, and digital trade. He emphasized that Pakistan seeks long-term partnerships, expertise, and investment rather than financial aid.