Business Recorder
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China on Thursday celebrated the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, with President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasising the countries’ long-standing partnership, strategic cooperation and mutual support across multiple sectors. Speaking at a ceremony and photo exhibition, President Zardari described the bilateral relationship as a “time-tested friendship” grounded in mutual trust, shared aspirations and enduring support through challenges. He said Pakistan’s ties with China remained a cornerstone of its foreign policy and had developed into a model of interstate relations over the decades. Zardari congratulated the leadership and people of China, particularly President Xi Jinping, for completing 75 years of diplomatic ties. He noted that Islamabad and Beijing had cultivated a relationship based on mutual trust, unwavering support, and aligned development goals. Highlighting areas of bilateral cooperation, the president cited trade, investment, infrastructure, technology, defence, and people-to-people exchanges. He also acknowledged China’s consistent support on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the “One China Policy.” President Zardari affirmed that both countries would continue working together to promote peace, stability, development, and multilateralism at regional and global levels. He pointed to collaboration in education, agriculture, science and technology, defence, and cultural exchanges, as well as China’s assistance in Pakistan’s development projects, including Gwadar Port. He described the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a historic initiative with a transformative impact on Pakistan’s socio-economic landscape. Paying tribute to President Xi, Zardari noted China’s remarkable economic development and progress in poverty alleviation under his leadership. Reflecting on his personal experience, the president said he had visited China 14 times, including two trips last year, most recently visiting the birthplace of Chairman Mao Zedong. A commemorative postage stamp marking the anniversary of diplomatic ties was also unveiled by Zardari at the event. Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Sharif emphasised Pakistan’s historical position as the first Muslim country to recognise China and one of the earliest to establish diplomatic relations in 1951. He described the bilateral relationship as “unique in the world,” built on sincerity of purpose and shared commitment. Sharif noted China’s consistent support during crises, citing assistance during the 2010 floods in Pakistan, when Beijing provided helicopters, medicines, medical teams, and experts to help affected communities. He termed China’s support “unmatched in history” and reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to the One China Policy. On economic cooperation, the prime minister described CPEC, launched under China’s belt and road initiative, as a symbol of China’s role in Pakistan’s development, employment generation, and prosperity. He outlined future cooperation under CPEC 2.0, highlighting agriculture, information technology, artificial intelligence, special economic zones, and mining as key areas of collaboration. He also underscored initiatives to train Pakistani agricultural graduates in Chinese universities to enhance research and development in Pakistan. Sharif emphasised Pakistan’s commitment to the security of Chinese nationals, stating that protection offered to the president or prime minister would extend to every Chinese citizen in the country. He also expressed support for continued counterterrorism collaboration with China. China’s Deputy Chief of Mission, Cai Dafeng, noted that Pakistan had been the first Muslim country to establish diplomatic relations with China on May 21, 1951. He reaffirmed China’s support for Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national dignity, while pledging strengthened cooperation in education, agriculture, mining, industry, information technology, climate change, and media. Dafeng also highlighted the importance of joint efforts in multilateral forums, including the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, and reiterated support for Pakistan’s counterterrorism measures. The accompanying photo exhibition showcased decades of shared achievements, illustrating the depth of Pakistan-China friendship. The ceremony began with the national anthems of both countries and concluded with a joint cake-cutting by President Zardari, Prime Minister Sharif, Chinese dignitaries, and Ambassador Jiang Zaidong. Cultural performances by Pakistani and Chinese children further marked the occasion. The event was attended by senior government officials, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani, National Assembly Speaker AyazSadiq, federal ministers, parliamentarians, diplomats and others. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
Go to News Site