Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday called for joint efforts by Pakistan and China to promote peace and stability in the Middle East, while thanking the Chinese leadership for supporting Islamabad’s ceasefire initiatives in the region.
Speaking during a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the Great Hall of the People, the prime minister said Pakistan fully supported President Xi Jinping’s four-point proposal aimed at advancing regional peace and stability.
He added that Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and the Chinese foreign minister had also announced a five-point programme to support ceasefire efforts in the Middle East.
The premier said the ongoing crisis in the region had affected economies around the world, including Pakistan’s economy.
Earlier, PM Shehbaz was warmly received by Premier Li upon his arrival at the Great Hall, where the two sides later held delegation-level talks covering bilateral cooperation and regional developments.
During the welcoming ceremony, both leaders introduced members of their respective delegations while the national anthems of Pakistan and China were played. A guard of honour was also presented to the Pakistani premier.
Prime Minister Shehbaz introduced Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir and other members of the Pakistani delegation, while Premier Li introduced members of the Chinese cabinet.
The Chinese premier said Pakistan had maintained close coordination with Beijing and played a constructive role in promoting regional peace. He added that China remained committed to strengthening traditional friendship and expanding bilateral cooperation with Pakistan.
Li Qiang said the upcoming meeting between President Xi and Prime Minister Shehbaz would provide strategic direction for deepening ties between the two countries.
For his part, PM Shehbaz thanked the Chinese leadership for inviting him to visit China, saying each visit reflected the country’s continued development and progress.
“Pakistan and China are celebrating 75 years of their historic friendship and diplomatic relations,” the prime minister said, adding that the relationship was built on foundations laid by the founding leaders of both countries.
The prime minister also expressed condolences over the deadly coal mine explosion in China’s Shanxi province and said Pakistan stood in solidarity with the affected families.
Referring to the regional situation, PM Shehbaz said the world was passing through a “critical phase” and noted that Pakistan had played a “sincere role” in facilitating communication between the United States and Iran.
He said Field Marshal Asim Munir had recently visited Tehran and played an important role in contacts between the Iranian and American leaderships.
“We pray that peace is restored permanently. Considerable progress has been made, and matters are moving in the right direction,” the prime minister said.
