Pakistan PM Sharif hails strong ties with China at 75th Diplomatic Anniversary

International, Politics

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (NPA) — Shehbaz Sharif has praised the longstanding relationship between Pakistan and China during a ceremony marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between both countries.

Speaking on Thursday in Islamabad before Pakistani and Chinese officials as well as members of the diplomatic corps, Prime Minister Sharif described the relationship between the two nations as historic and enduring.

According to him, Pakistan was the first Muslim-majority country to officially recognise China and among the earliest countries globally to establish diplomatic relations with Beijing.

“Seventy-five years ago, our founding fathers laid down the foundation of our bilateral diplomatic relations, and it went to the credit of Pakistan that we were the first Muslim country to recognise China and one of the first few countries around the globe,” Sharif stated.

The Pakistani leader said relations between the two countries have continued to grow stronger over the decades, noting that China has consistently stood by Pakistan during difficult periods.

“Throughout these 75 years, Chinese leadership and the people of China stood with Pakistan like a solid rock,” he added.

Sharif also recalled Pakistan’s role in strengthening ties with China during the 1960s, referencing the historic first flight that landed in Beijing decades ago as part of expanding engagement between both nations.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the One China policy, stressing that Islamabad would continue to support Beijing without hesitation.

“To this day and forever, we will support the One China policy without fear or favour,” he said.

Sharif further described the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor as a major symbol of China’s commitment to Pakistan’s economic development.

According to him, the project, established under the Belt and Road Initiative championed by Xi Jinping, has contributed significantly to infrastructure growth and economic progress across Pakistan.

The anniversary event highlighted decades of diplomatic, economic and strategic cooperation between the two countries, widely regarded as close regional allies.