What Did Xi Jinping and Shehbaz Sharif Discuss During Their Historic Meeting?

Strengthening Ties: Shehbaz Sharif Meets Xi Jinping

Beijing/Islamabad: On Monday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif engaged in discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who praised the enduring friendship between China and Pakistan. Xi acknowledged Pakistan's proactive role in mediating peace efforts in West Asia.

During their meeting at the Great Hall of the People, Xi referred to Shehbaz as an 'old friend' and emphasized the deep-rooted understanding and trust that has characterized the relationship between the two nations over the years, as reported by a local news outlet.

Xi commended Pakistan for its initiative in mediating peace in the Middle East, addressing Shehbaz, who was accompanied by Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir, who had just returned from Iran.

Shehbaz expressed gratitude for China's support in facilitating US-Iran negotiations, highlighting Xi's four proposals regarding the West Asia situation as instrumental for peace, according to China's state-run news agency.

Xi acknowledged Shehbaz's recent efforts in Iran, stating, 'We appreciate the constructive role played by Pakistan.'

Shehbaz characterized the relationship between China and Pakistan as that of 'iron brothers,' asserting that it is unparalleled.

Earlier, Shehbaz had discussions with Premier Li Qiang, urging both nations to unite in their efforts to restore peace in West Asia.

During the delegation-level talks with Li, Shehbaz remarked on the critical global situation, particularly the crisis in the Gulf, and reiterated Pakistan's sincere mediation efforts between the US and Iran, noting Field Marshal Munir's recent trip to Tehran.

Shehbaz mentioned that Munir was eager to participate in this significant visit, having traveled overnight to join the meeting. He arrived in China on Saturday for a four-day official visit, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

He emphasized the army chief's vital role in facilitating communications with both Iranian and American leaders, as well as Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar's outreach to regional counterparts.

Shehbaz expressed hope for lasting peace, stating that significant progress has already been made and that efforts are moving in a positive direction.

He thanked President Xi and the Chinese leadership for their unwavering support in promoting peace and achieving a ceasefire.

The Prime Minister noted that his visit comes at a pivotal historical moment, celebrating 75 years of friendship and diplomatic relations established by the founding leaders of both nations.

According to an official statement, PM Shehbaz reaffirmed that the strategic partnership between Pakistan and China remains central to Pakistan's foreign policy.

He described the 'iron-clad friendship' as being founded on mutual trust, strategic confidence, and a shared commitment to peace, development, and prosperity.

The two leaders reiterated their support on issues of mutual interest and expressed satisfaction with the ongoing growth of cooperation across various sectors, including political, economic, strategic, security, and cultural exchanges.

Shehbaz highlighted Pakistan's dedication to the high-quality development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), focusing on industrialization, connectivity, agriculture, science and technology, digital transformation, clean energy, and socio-economic development.

He stressed the importance of aligning China's 15th Five-Year Plan with Pakistan's development framework, Uraan Pakistan, to expedite development priorities and enhance mutually beneficial cooperation.

Shehbaz acknowledged China's consistent support for Pakistan's national development and economic stability.

He reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to ensuring the security of Chinese nationals, institutions, and projects within Pakistan, while also emphasizing the need for enhanced collaboration in emerging sectors such as space, artificial intelligence, and advanced technologies.

He noted that the inclusion of Pakistani astronauts in China's space station program signifies the deepening cooperation between the two nations in new and strategic areas.

Both sides agreed to maintain close coordination, expedite the implementation of agreed projects, and advance the Pakistan-China partnership into a new phase of practical, results-oriented, and high-quality cooperation.

Separately, state-run Pakistan TV reported that Shehbaz and Premier Li witnessed the signing of multiple memoranda of understanding, protocols, and cooperation agreements covering various sectors, including trade, investment, agriculture, science and technology, climate change, education, media, and cultural exchanges.

According to state-run APP, these 15 documents included an MoU on economic development cooperation and another on environmental and climate change cooperation.

The two sides also signed a letter regarding counterterrorism equipment cooperation and an MoU on human resource development cooperation.

Shehbaz first arrived in Hangzhou, China, on Saturday, where he visited local industrial units and interacted with provincial officials before proceeding to Beijing for discussions with Chinese leaders.