
Islamabad, 03 November (H.S.): Liu Haixing, Minister of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), held a series of high-level meetings with Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership on Monday, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations and exchanging views on regional and international developments.
During his first official visit to Pakistan, Liu met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar.
According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, Liu arrived in Islamabad on November 1 at the invitation of Ishaq Dar. The visit forms part of the continuing high-level and party-to-party exchanges between the two countries, reflecting their shared commitment to further consolidating their All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership.
During his meeting with the Chinese delegation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed the enduring nature of Pakistan-China relations, describing the partnership as strong, time-tested and rooted in mutual trust, respect and deep people-to-people ties.
The Prime Minister emphasised the importance of sustained political engagement and stronger exchanges between the ruling and political parties of the two countries to further deepen bilateral cooperation. He also acknowledged the role of the CPC's International Department in strengthening institutional connections and facilitating engagement between the political leaderships of both nations.
Sharif highlighted the shared priority of expanding cooperation in trade, investment, regional connectivity, infrastructure development, information technology and agricultural modernisation. He reiterated Pakistan's commitment to working closely with China across these areas.
Liu conveyed the greetings of the Chinese leadership and reaffirmed Beijing's commitment to deepening its longstanding friendship with Pakistan. He also welcomed the momentum generated by ongoing high-level engagements and party-to-party exchanges.
Both sides exchanged views on regional and international developments and pledged to maintain close coordination and cooperation at bilateral and multilateral forums. The Prime Minister also hosted a banquet in honour of Liu and the accompanying delegation.
In a separate meeting at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, Liu called on Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the discussions covered matters of mutual interest, evolving regional and international security dynamics, and bilateral relations.
Field Marshal Munir highlighted the historic and time-tested friendship between Pakistan and China, stressing the importance of sustained high-level engagement, stronger institutional linkages and expanded cooperation in areas of shared interest.
The Chinese minister appreciated Pakistan's contributions to regional peace and stability and expressed confidence in further advancing the longstanding strategic partnership between the two countries. Both sides reiterated their resolve to strengthen the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership.
In another engagement, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held bilateral talks with Liu, reaffirming Islamabad's commitment to further strengthening its strategic partnership with Beijing.
The discussions focused on enhancing cultural relations and people-to-people exchanges, while both sides agreed to maintain close coordination and sustain the positive momentum in bilateral ties. Liu also conveyed the greetings of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, which Dar warmly reciprocated. The Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister, in turn, conveyed the greetings of President Xi Jinping on behalf of Pakistan's leadership.
Liu's engagements with Pakistan's civilian and military leadership come as Islamabad and Beijing continue to expand cooperation across political, economic, security and institutional spheres. The visit underscores the importance both countries attach to sustained diplomatic engagement and closer coordination on issues of mutual interest.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar