China and Pakistan Agree to Strengthen Bilateral Ties
China and Pakistan have agreed to take further steps to strengthen their bilateral relationship. On Saturday, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif discussed various issues, committing to enhancing strategic relations, promoting the socio-economic development of both nations, and safeguarding common interests.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently visited China, meeting President Xi at the Great Hall in Beijing. During this meeting, both leaders emphasized taking steps to deepen their relationship, especially in the areas of politics, economy, and security. They underscored the importance of their long-standing all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and agreed to explore ways to share governance experiences and coordinate their development strategies.
China reiterated that bilateral relations with Pakistan are a priority in its foreign policy. President Xi reaffirmed his unwavering support for Pakistan's sovereignty, national independence, and territorial integrity. On the other hand, Pakistan emphasized that this relationship is fundamental to its foreign policy. Pakistan also informed China about recent developments in the situation in Kashmir. President Xi stated that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute should be resolved properly and peacefully in accordance with the UN Charter, relevant UN Security Council resolutions, and bilateral agreements.
Both sides also strongly condemned the terrorist attack on a Chinese convoy at the Dasu hydropower project in Pakistan on March 26. They warned that any attempt to undermine the Pakistan-China friendship and cooperation would never succeed. Members of both countries' cabinets were also present at the meeting.
This was Prime Minister Shehbaz's first meeting with President Xi since becoming Pakistan's Prime Minister in 2024. Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed his gratitude to President Xi for the warm and kind reception given to him and his delegation in China.
Meanwhile, Pakistan recorded a milestone in remittances in May this year. Expatriates sent $3.243 billion to the country, an increase of 54.2% compared to the same period last year
