Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif along with Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir separately met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing on Tuesday in a move that highlights Pakistan's carefully crafted approach, seeking mutually beneficial ties with all big powers.
Shehbaz is in China where he attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit plus. His meeting with President Xi and President Putin, the two powerful leaders in the world, took place in the space of few hours.
In the morning, Prime Minister Shehbaz, who was joined by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Information Minister Atta Tarar as well as the army chief, held a detailed meeting with President Xi and his delegation.
The meeting that took place at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing was seen as significant against the backdrop of ongoing geostrategic developments, as Pakistan's relations with the US have in recent months undergone significant shift while at the same time Washington-New Delhi ties hit the bottom.
Against this backdrop, India is trying to reset ties with China and on the other hand there are murmurs that Pakistan's closeness with the US may cast a shadow on Islamabad-Beijing cooperation. But Tuesday's meeting brushed aside those speculations.
During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their ironclad partnership and vowed to further deepen their cooperation. Prime Minister Shehbaz went on to say that no one could shake the strong bond between Pakistan and China.
An official readout by China's Foreign Ministry said President Xi noted that China and Pakistan share a resilient bond, a brotherly bond, and also a bond built on trust and common valuesan ironclad friendship that was forged through historical twists and turns and has grown ever stronger over time.
"As the once-in-a-century transformations are unfolding faster across the world, a robust China-Pakistan relationship is vital for regional peace and development," President Xi noted, according the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
Xi said that the two sides should accelerate the building of an even closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era, so as to deliver greater benefits to the two peoples and set an example for building a community with a shared future among neighbouring countries. Xi stressed that China supports Pakistan in maintaining unity, focusing on development, and enhancing national strength.
China is ready to work with Pakistan to build the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor 2.0 and upgrade the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement, and step up cooperation in industries, agriculture, and mining, with the aim of boosting Pakistan's home-grown capacity for development.
China supports Pakistan's efforts to combat terrorism and hopes Pakistan will take solid and effective measures to ensure the safety and security of Chinese personnel, projects, and institutions in Pakistan, to create a secure environment for bilateral cooperation.
The two sides should strengthen strategic communication, implement the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative, and Global Governance Initiative, address common challenges, and uphold international fairness and justice.
Shehbaz congratulated China on the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, and noted that the Communist Party of China's pivotal role in the global struggle against Fascism changed the course of history of both China and the world.
"The ironclad Pakistan-China friendship has taken root in the hearts of the over 200 million Pakistani people, and every generation will remember China's selfless support," he said. "No force can shake this unbreakable bond."
The prime minister stated that under President Xi's great leadership, China has achieved remarkable economic and social progress, lifted the Chinese people out of poverty, and improved the people's well-being.
At the same time, China also share opportunities with fellow developing countries through the Belt and Road cooperation, earning global acclaim and winning people's hearts and minds.
The prime minister said that Pakistan unwaveringly commits to the 'One-China' principle and looks forward to strengthening friendly ties with China and advancing cooperation in various fields to ensure sustained progress in Pakistan-China relations.
"Pakistan will leave no-stone unturned to protect Chinese personnel, projects, and institutions in the country. The Global Governance Initiative proposed by President Xi is of great significance for global peace, development, and stability. Pakistan fully supports and will actively promote this initiative," according to the prime minister.
Availing himself of the opportunity, the prime minister renewed his most cordial invitation to President Xi Jinping to undertake an official visit to Pakistan next year, when both countries would celebrate the 75th anniversary of establishment of Pakistan-China diplomatic ties.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz and his other members of the delegation met Russian President Putin. During the meeting, Shehbaz noted that both countries were making sincere efforts to promote bilateral ties, particularly in the areas of commerce and trade.
As a result of these efforts, bilateral trade witnessed a significant increase last year. He highlighted that Pakistan's import of oil from Russia contributed to this growth. The prime minister expressed confidence that Pakistan-Russia relations were on an upward trajectory and moving in the right direction.
He mentioned that the two nations have signed protocols to enhance cooperation in key sectors such as agriculture, iron and steel, energy, and transport.
In his remarks, Russian President Putin said Pakistan has always been and remains a traditional partner of Russia in Asia. He emphasised the importance of expanding trade between the two countries.
President Putin also noted that Pakistan and Russia were collaborating at the inter-parliamentary level and on international platforms. He extended invitation to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to attend the upcoming SCO Heads of Government meeting, scheduled to be held in Moscow this November.
The prime minister accepted the invitation. President Putin also conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the people of Pakistan over the losses caused by the recent floods.
While in China, Shehbaz will join several other world leaders to attend the biggest ever military parade in Beijing to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War on Wednesday (today).
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