Chinese President Xi Jinping praised Beijing’s “unbreakable” friendship with Pakistan during talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Beijing on Monday, as both countries pledged to deepen their long-standing strategic partnership.
Xi welcomed Sharif as an “old friend” at the Great Hall of the People and said China and Pakistan had “understood, trusted and supported each other” over decades.
He said China would continue prioritising ties with Pakistan in its neighbourhood diplomacy regardless of changes in the international situation.
Sharif described the relationship as one between two “iron brother” countries with ties that are “next to none”.
The visit comes as Pakistan continues mediation efforts linked to the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, accompanied Sharif during the Beijing meetings after recently visiting Tehran for talks with Iranian leaders.
Xi praised Pakistan’s “constructive role” in promoting peace efforts related to Iran and regional stability.
Sharif said the world was passing through a “critical moment” but added that “things are moving in the right direction”.
He also thanked China for its support in promoting peace.
Pakistan hosted mediation talks between Washington and Tehran last month, relaying proposals and messages between the two sides, though negotiations did not produce a lasting agreement.
China and Pakistan also discussed expanding cooperation in agriculture, industry, artificial intelligence and talent development, according to Chinese state media.
Xi emphasised the importance of maintaining high-level exchanges and strengthening strategic communication between the two countries.
The Chinese leader also called for broader security cooperation aimed at supporting regional peace and stability.
China has significant infrastructure investments in Pakistan, although attacks targeting Chinese nationals and projects in southwest Pakistan have raised concerns in Beijing in recent years.
In March, China and Pakistan issued a five-point initiative calling for peace talks and restoration of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy shipping route.