Beijing: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday paid glowing tribute to the deep-rooted friendship between Pakistan and China, describing the bilateral relationship as “two souls, one heart.”
Addressing a special ceremony to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, PM Shehbaz highlighted how the historic bond has been nurtured through the vision, commitment, and dedication of leaders on both sides over more than seven decades.
He said the Pakistan-China relationship has reached a level unmatched in international diplomacy, built on unparalleled trust, mutual respect, and cooperation that stands as a unique example for the world.
The Prime Minister lauded China’s remarkable rise as a global economic and military powerhouse, crediting its success to the hard work, determination, and consistent policies of successive Chinese leaderships. He noted that China’s journey offers important lessons to developing nations on tackling poverty, unemployment, and economic hurdles.
“Today’s China is a shining example for nations around the globe that with determination and consistency, impossible goals can be achieved,” PM Shehbaz remarked.
He particularly praised Chinese President Xi Jinping for lifting over 800 million people out of poverty through visionary policies and for promoting peace, dialogue, and diplomacy on the global stage despite China’s growing strength.
Recalling fond memories, the Prime Minister shared personal anecdotes from Pakistan-China history. He remembered joining students, teachers, and citizens in Lahore to welcome former Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai, who was accompanied by then Foreign Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. He also highlighted China’s swift assistance during Pakistan’s devastating 2010 floods, when Chinese experts, helicopters, and rescue teams played a key role in relief efforts.
“There are countless such inspiring episodes in our shared history. This friendship has weathered every storm,” he said.
PM Shehbaz stressed that the ties between the two nations have grown stronger with time and called upon both sides to work together to carry this relationship forward for future generations. He expressed hope that Pakistan could emulate elements of the Chinese economic model through collective effort, reforms, and sacrifices.
Earlier at the ceremony, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng congratulated both countries on the milestone anniversary and reaffirmed Beijing’s steadfast support for Pakistan. He described the two nations as “good friends connected by geography and a shared future,” forged by earlier generations of leaders.
Han Zheng acknowledged Pakistan’s consistent backing for China during challenging times, including efforts to regain its UN seat. He highlighted major joint achievements, from the Karakoram Highway to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Phase 2.0, which continue to deliver benefits to people on both sides.
The Chinese Vice President expressed readiness to deepen cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), align development plans, and advance modernization efforts. He emphasized that in an era of global uncertainty, China and Pakistan have even stronger reasons to stand together and build a shared future.
