By Khawaja Hamza
Islamabad, Pakistan and China reaffirmed their “iron-clad” and time-tested strategic partnership during high-level meetings in Islamabad, as both countries marked the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
H.E. Ms. Sun Haiyan, Vice Minister of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC), called on the Prime Minister at the Prime Minister House, where discussions focused on bilateral cooperation, regional developments, and party-to-party relations.
Welcoming the Chinese dignitary and her delegation, the Prime Minister described the visit as particularly auspicious, noting that it coincided with a milestone year in Pak-China relations. He highlighted a series of recent and upcoming high-level exchanges, including successful visits by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister to Beijing, the Interior Minister to Shanghai, and the expected visit of the Speaker of the National Assembly to China in the coming days.
The Prime Minister conveyed his warm greetings to President Xi Jinping and the Chinese leadership, reiterating Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to the One China Policy. He reaffirmed that Pakistan’s All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with China would remain unshakeable at all times.
On economic cooperation, the Prime Minister lauded China’s continued support to Pakistan, particularly under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and stressed the importance of timely implementation of the next phase of the flagship project. He also renewed his cordial invitation to President Xi Jinping to undertake an official visit to Pakistan this year, calling it a fitting occasion given the 75th anniversary celebrations.
Ms. Sun Haiyan thanked the Prime Minister for the warm hospitality and reaffirmed China’s commitment to further strengthening its long-standing relationship with Pakistan across all domains. She congratulated the Prime Minister on fostering economic and political stability and said the Chinese nation took pride in Pakistan’s diplomatic achievements.
Highlighting the importance of party-to-party ties, the Vice Minister noted that the Communist Party of China maintained strong relations with a wide spectrum of political parties in Pakistan. She appreciated the Prime Minister’s leadership role in promoting political unity and effective governance and expressed the CPC’s resolve to deepen inter-party cooperation through institutional mechanisms.
Earlier in the day, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar received Ms. Sun Haiyan in Islamabad. The two sides exchanged views on bilateral relations, regional developments, and matters of mutual interest. Senator Dar acknowledged the CPC’s significant role in deepening the enduring friendship between Pakistan and China.
Both sides welcomed the recent inauguration of Pak-China 75th anniversary celebrations by Senator Dar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in China earlier this month. They agreed to mark the historic milestone through a series of commemorative events throughout the year.
The meeting also underscored the importance of maintaining momentum in high-level exchanges, strengthening inter-party cooperation, and expanding cultural and people-to-people ties. Areas identified for enhanced collaboration included academic linkages, youth exchanges, and cultural initiatives aimed at fostering deeper mutual understanding between the two nations.
