- PM links political engagement, party-to-party exchanges to better ties.
- Highlights cooperation in trade, investment, connectivity, IT, agriculture.
- CDF, Chinese minister discuss regional, international security developments.
ISLAMABAD: A visiting Chinese Communist Party (CPC) minister held separate meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday, with discussions focusing on bilateral cooperation, political engagement and regional and international developments.
Liu Haixing, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC), is on his first official visit to Pakistan, which began on November 1, according to the Foreign Office.
During his meeting with the prime minister, Shehbaz stressed the importance of sustained political engagement and party-to-party exchanges to strengthen bilateral relations further.
Welcoming Liu and his delegation, the premier reaffirmed that Pakistan and China enjoyed an iron-clad, time-tested and All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership.
He said the friendship between the two countries was anchored in mutual trust, respect and deep-rooted bonds between their peoples.
Shehbaz appreciated the IDCPC’s role in fostering institutional linkages and promoting cooperation between the two countries’ political leadership.
He also highlighted their shared focus on advancing cooperation in trade, investment, connectivity, infrastructure development, information technology and agricultural modernisation.
Liu conveyed the greetings of the Chinese leadership and reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to further deepening its longstanding friendship with Pakistan.
Both sides also exchanged views on regional and international developments and reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining close coordination and cooperation at bilateral and multilateral forums.
The prime minister also hosted a banquet in honour of the visiting minister and his delegation.
Separately, Liu called on the CDF and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the two sides discussed matters of mutual interest, evolving regional and international security dynamics and bilateral relations.
They expressed their shared resolve to further strengthen the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership between Pakistan and China.
Field Marshal Munir highlighted the historic and time-tested bonds between the two countries and emphasised the importance of sustained high-level engagement, stronger institutional linkages and expanded cooperation across areas of mutual interest.
The visiting dignitary appreciated Pakistan’s contributions to regional peace and stability and expressed confidence in further advancing the longstanding strategic partnership between the two countries.
In another meeting, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening its strategic partnership with China.
The two sides discussed ways to enhance cultural ties and people-to-people exchanges, while resolving to maintain close coordination and carry forward the positive momentum in bilateral relations.
Liu also conveyed greetings from Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, which Dar warmly reciprocated. The deputy prime minister also conveyed warm greetings to Chinese President Xi Jinping on behalf of Pakistan’s leadership.
The visit is part of ongoing high-level and party-to-party exchanges between Islamabad and Beijing, reflecting their commitment to strengthening their All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership.
Liu’s engagements with Pakistan’s political and military leadership come as the two countries continue to expand cooperation across political, economic, security and institutional domains.
