ISLAMABAD, Tuesday, June 24, 2025 (WNP): Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong on Tuesday commended Pakistan’s active and constructive diplomatic efforts, particularly at the United Nations Security Council, in promoting dialogue and diplomacy for a peaceful resolution of regional security challenges.

The remarks came during a meeting between the ambassador and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, where the two leaders discussed key regional developments, including the escalating Iran-Israel conflict, along with matters related to Pakistan-China bilateral cooperation.

Prime Minister Sharif conveyed his warm regards and best wishes to Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, and extended sincere wishes for the successful convening of the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit. He also acknowledged the ongoing consultations for his anticipated visit to China to attend the summit, expected to take place in late August.

Reaffirming the “iron-clad” and time-tested friendship between the two countries, Prime Minister Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s strong commitment to the “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership” with China. He emphasized Islamabad’s resolve to continue working closely with Beijing to ensure the successful execution of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiatives.

He particularly highlighted key infrastructure and development projects, including the Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway upgrade, the realignment of the Karakoram Highway (KKH), operationalization of the Gwadar Port, and expanded cooperation in agriculture, industrial zones, and the IT sector.

The prime minister also expressed Pakistan’s deep gratitude for China’s continued financial and economic assistance, which he said had played a vital role in stabilizing Pakistan’s economy and improving its macroeconomic outlook—an essential pillar of the government’s broader socio-economic development agenda.

Ambassador Jiang Zaidong, in turn, briefed the prime minister on the progress of bilateral cooperation and preparations underway to ensure the success of his upcoming visit to China.

He reiterated China’s commitment to further strengthening the strategic partnership with Pakistan across multiple sectors.