Xi Jinping Meets Pakistan's Sharif in Beijing

Chinese President Xi Jinping met Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at Beijing's Great Hall of the People on Monday and described the countries' friendship as unbreakable. Xi called Sharif an old friend and said the two nations had understood, trusted and supported each other over decades.

He added that China always prioritizes the development of China-Pakistan relations in its neighborhood diplomacy.

Xi said Beijing was willing to work with Islamabad to build a closer-knit China-Pakistan community with a shared future. Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reported that China called for enhanced cooperation in agriculture, industry, artificial intelligence and talent cultivation. Sharif described China and Pakistan as iron brother countries whose relationship is next to none.

Sharif was accompanied by Pakistan's army chief, Asim Munir, who recently met Iran's leadership in Tehran. Xi said he appreciated Pakistan's constructive role in mediating peace in the Middle East.

“I know that you have just returned from Iran and made positive efforts for the current peace. ”

Pakistan hosted mediation talks between Washington and Tehran after a ceasefire in the Iran conflict was reached in April. China and Pakistan issued a five-point initiative in March calling for peace talks and restoration of normal navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Xi said both countries should carry out higher-level and broader security cooperation to help regional peace and stability. The visit comes amid ongoing Islamist militant attacks on Chinese nationals and projects in southwest Pakistan where Beijing has major infrastructure investments. Sharif said the world is passing through a critical moment and thanked China for its support to promote peace.