Speaker of National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Tuesday underscored that the Pakistan-China strategic partnership is vital for sustainable peace, development and prosperity in the region.
During a meeting with Chairman of the National People’s Congress (NPC) of China, Mr. Zhao Leji, in Beijing, the Speaker reiterated Pakistan’s strong resolve to further strengthen bilateral relations, particularly on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of Pakistan-China diplomatic ties.
Members of the Pakistani parliamentary delegation accompanying the Speaker were also present during the meeting.
Ayaz Sadiq expressed Pakistan’s deep pride in its unparalleled and time-tested friendship with China, saying that the bilateral relationship is built on strong foundations of mutual respect, trust and confidence.
He emphasized that the peoples of Pakistan and China are bound together in an unbreakable bond of friendship.
Highlighting the importance of parliamentary diplomacy, the Speaker stressed that enhanced parliamentary cooperation, increased exchanges and the further activation of Parliamentary Friendship Groups would play a significant role in deepening bilateral relations and further reinforcing the strategic partnership between the two countries.
He said that the 75-year-long parliamentary and diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, based on friendship and mutual respect, serve as a model for the international community.
The Speaker described the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a game-changer not only for Pakistan but for the entire region.
He lauded China’s remarkable development under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, terming it exemplary for the world, and described the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as a visionary project of key importance for regional development and shared prosperity.
Ayaz Sadiq thanked Chairman Zhao Leji for the warm reception and gracious hospitality extended to the Pakistani parliamentary delegation and formally extended an invitation to the Chairman of the National People’s Congress to visit Pakistan.
On the occasion, Zhao Leji appreciated the Speaker’s positive sentiments towards China and reaffirmed that China attaches great importance to its longstanding and friendly relations with Pakistan.
He agreed with the Speaker’s proposal to further strengthen inter-parliamentary exchanges and commended Pakistan’s role in promoting peace and stability in the region.
Zhao Leji also reiterated China’s commitment to further deepening its strategic partnership with Pakistan.
Members of the Pakistani parliamentary delegation present at the meeting included Romina Khurshid Alam, Muhammad Nauman, Zeb Jaffar and Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri.