Amb Khalil Hashmi honoured with China's 'outstanding diplomat medal'

BEIJING: Pakistan’s Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi has been awarded China’s prestigious “Outstanding Diplomat Medal” by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in recognition of his role in strengthening Pakistan–China relations.

The award ceremony was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing, where eight current and former ambassadors posted in China were recognised for their diplomatic contributions. The recipients included former envoys from Russia, Cambodia, Chad, and Uruguay, as well as serving ambassadors from Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan, and Colombia.

Ambassador Hashmi became the first serving Pakistani envoy in Beijing to receive the honour, marking a milestone in Pakistan’s diplomatic representation in China. The award also represents the first time the Chinese Foreign Ministry has formally instituted such recognition for foreign diplomats serving in Beijing.

Officials said the medal reflects appreciation for envoys who have played a significant role in advancing bilateral relations, enhancing cooperation, and contributing to mutual understanding between China and their respective countries.

Speaking at the ceremony, Hashmi expressed gratitude to the Chinese leadership for the recognition, dedicating the award to his diplomatic team, family, and officials in both countries who have worked over decades to strengthen bilateral ties.

He specifically thanked Foreign Minister Wang Yi and the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s Asian Affairs Department for their continued support in deepening engagement between Islamabad and Beijing.

Highlighting the long-standing partnership between Pakistan and China, Hashmi noted that the relationship has endured multiple global and regional challenges, including humanitarian crises and natural disasters, reinforcing what he described as an “all-weather friendship.”

He reiterated that Pakistan and China have consistently supported each other in times of need, citing past cooperation during major earthquakes and public health emergencies as examples of enduring solidarity.

Reaffirming the strength of bilateral ties, he described the relationship as “higher than the mountains, deeper than the oceans, sweeter than honey, and stronger than steel,” reflecting the traditional diplomatic framing often used to characterise the close partnership between the two countries.