Xi Jinping Calls Shehbaz Sharif ‘Old Friend’, Backs Stronger China-Pakistan Cooperation

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday met Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Beijing, state media reported, amid ongoing diplomatic efforts by several countries to formally end the Iran war.

Pakistan remains among an exclusive group of countries that China regards as an "all-weather strategic partner," with ties marked by close economic, trade and security cooperation.

However, repeated Islamist militant attacks on Chinese nationals and projects in Pakistan have emerged as an irritant, while Islamabad’s warming ties with Washington have added complexity to its relations with Beijing.

The high-level engagement, reported by state news agency Xinhua, followed Sharif’s talks earlier in the day with Premier Li Qiang, China’s number-two leader.

Welcoming Sharif at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Xi described the Pakistani leader as an "old friend" and said the two countries had "understood, trusted and supported each other" over decades, forging an "unbreakable traditional friendship."

How is Pakistan shaping US-Iran talks while strengthening China-Pakistan cooperation?

"No matter how the international situation changes, China always prioritizes the development of China-Pakistan relations in its neighborhood diplomacy," Xi said.

He added that Beijing was willing to work with Islamabad to build a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future and achieve more in their "all-weather" cooperation.

Sharif, in response, termed China and Pakistan "iron brother" countries and said their relationship is "next to none".

Sharif is accompanied by Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir on the visit, with Islamabad’s key negotiator between the United States and Iran also taking part in the meetings, according to Pakistan television.

Pakistan has emerged as a central mediator between Washington and Tehran, hosting historic face-to-face talks last month that did not result in a lasting agreement.

China, in contrast, has played a quieter role by facilitating phone calls and meetings with officials from affected Gulf countries.

Addressing Chinese leaders alongside Munir, Sharif said "the world is passing through a critical moment", as shown on Pakistan’s state-run PTV channel.

Weeks into Islamabad’s diplomatic efforts, Washington has reported progress in negotiations with Tehran.

"I know that you have just returned from Iran and made positive efforts for the current peace. We still appreciate the constructive role played by Pakistan," Xi said.