China's Xi praises unbreakable' Pakistan ties as Sharif visits Beijing

China’s President Xi Jinping met visiting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Beijing and praised an unbreakable friendship built over decades. Xi said China prioritizes development of China-Pakistan relations regardless of international changes and is willing to work with Islamabad to build a closer community with a shared future. Sharif described China and Pakistan as “iron brother” countries with a relationship unmatched by others. The meeting emphasized close economic, trade, and security cooperation and Pakistan’s role as a mediator in efforts to end the US-Israel war on Iran. Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir accompanied Sharif during talks with Chinese leaders, and Sharif thanked China for support promoting peace.

"Xi called Sharif an old friend and said the two countries had understood, trusted and supported each other over decades, forging an unbreakable traditional friendship. No matter how the international situation changes, China always prioritises the development of China-Pakistan relations in its neighbourhood diplomacy, Xi said. Beijing was willing to work with Islamabad to build a more close-knit China-Pakistan community with a shared future and achieve more in their all-weather cooperation, he added."

"Sharif, in turn, called China and Pakistan two iron brother countries with a relationship that is next to none. The visit comes as Pakistan continues to play a leading role in mediating talks aimed at ending the US-Israel war on Iran. Pakistan's army chief, Asim Munir, who has been at the centre of mediating talks between Washington and Tehran, is accompanying Sharif."

"Speaking to Chinese leaders in Beijing alongside Munir, Sharif said, The world is passing through a critical moment. Things are moving in the right direction. I would like to thank China's support to promote peace, he added. Pakistan has emerged as a central mediator between the United States and Iran, hosting face-to-face talks last month that failed to yield a lasting agreement."

"China has played a quieter role, shepherding phone calls and meetings with officials of Gulf countries. It has said it will work with Pakistan to make positive contributions to the early restoration of peace and"

Read at www.aljazeera.com