Xi, Zardari reaffirm 'rock-solid' Pakistan-China friendship on 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations

-- Chinese Premier Li Qiang and PM Shehbaz Sharif also exchange congratulatory messages

ISLAMABAD: Xi Jinping and Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday exchanged warm congratulatory messages to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, reaffirming their commitment to further strengthening the longstanding strategic partnership between the two countries.

In his message, President Xi described China and Pakistan as “good friends and all-weather strategic cooperative partners” connected by geography, trust and shared hardships.

“Since the establishment of diplomatic relations 75 years ago, no matter how the international situation has changed, the friendship between China and Pakistan has always remained rock-solid and unbreakable,” Xi said.

The Chinese president noted that both countries had maintained high-level political trust, extensive practical cooperation, strong security coordination and close collaboration on international issues, creating what he termed a model relationship between states.

Xi said he attached great importance to the development of China-Pakistan ties and expressed his willingness to work closely with President Zardari to deepen strategic communication, strengthen traditional friendship and expand cooperation across all sectors.

He added that both countries should accelerate efforts to build an even closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era so that bilateral relations could continue benefiting both peoples while contributing to regional peace and development.

For his part, President Zardari said the Pakistan-China all-weather strategic cooperative partnership had stood the test of time and emerged as a key pillar for peace, stability and development in the region.

He highly praised the global initiatives proposed by President Xi Jinping, describing them as carrying “far-reaching significance” for international cooperation and development.

Zardari also appreciated China’s consistent support for Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and economic development, reiterating Islamabad’s firm support for Beijing on issues concerning China’s core national interests.

“Pakistan will continue to support China on issues concerning its core interests and further elevate Pakistan-China friendship to new heights,” the president said.

Separately, Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Shehbaz Sharif also exchanged congratulatory messages on the occasion.

Premier Li said China was ready to strengthen solidarity and strategic coordination with Pakistan while jointly advancing the upgraded Version 2.0 of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan-China relations were founded on mutual trust, sovereign equality and a shared commitment to peace and development.

The premier reaffirmed Pakistan’s determination to promote the high-quality development of CPEC and explore new avenues of cooperation between the two countries across multiple sectors.