Pakistan, China unique partners in peace and progress, say President Zardari and PM Shehbaz

WEB DESK: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif have reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to its strategic partnership with China, describing the bilateral relationship as a time-tested friendship rooted in mutual trust, shared aspirations, and steadfast support through every challenge.

Addressing a grand ceremony held in Islamabad to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, President Zardari stated that friendship with China remains a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy, adding that both countries will continue to support peace, stability, development, and multilateralism at regional and global levels, according to Radio Pakistan.

The President highlighted that both nations have always safeguarded each other’s core interests while maintaining close cooperation across education, agriculture, science and technology, defence, and cultural exchanges.

Expressing gratitude to the Chinese government for its continuous support in Pakistan’s development projects particularly the Gwadar Port President Zardari termed the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) a historic initiative, and subsequently unveiled a commemorative postage stamp to mark the diamond jubilee of diplomatic ties.

A unique bond built on historic solidarity

Speaking at the ceremony, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif emphasised that through mutual efforts, sincerity of purpose, and a shared commitment, Pakistan and China have built a relationship that is second to none and truly unique in the world.

He remarked that Beijing has always stood by Islamabad “like a solid rock” during difficult times, including natural disasters and economic challenges, asserting that China’s support remains unmatched in history.

Recalling the devastating 2010 floods in Pakistan, the Prime Minister noted that China was among the first countries to provide assistance, dispatching helicopters, medicines, doctors, and experts to help affected populations.

Furthermore, the Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for the One-China Policy, stating that Islamabad has supported the principle “without any second thought” and would continue to do so “without fear or favour”.

CPEC 2.0 and the path to future prosperity

The Prime Minister described CPEC, launched under President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative, as a shining example of China’s commitment to Pakistan’s economic development, employment generation, and prosperity.

Reaffirming that the relationship is based on genuine sincerity rather than political interests or conditions, Mr Sharif turned his attention to future cooperation under the banner of CPEC 2.0.

He identified agriculture, information technology, artificial intelligence, special economic zones, and mines and minerals as the key areas of upcoming collaboration.

Highlighting Pakistan’s young population as both a challenge and an opportunity, the Prime Minister expressed his firm confidence that, with China’s continued support, Pakistan can successfully transform its youth potential into a driving economic strength.