Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role in efforts to mediate peace in the Middle East as he interacted with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who is on a four-day visit to China, Reuters reported quoting a pool report.
During the meeting, Xi said China and Pakistan had forged an “unbreakable traditional friendship” and stressed that Beijing prioritises its ties with Islamabad in neighbourhood diplomacy.
He also referred to the PM Shehbaz as an “old friend”, underscoring close bilateral relations between the two countries.
The meeting comes shortly after the premier held a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Li Qiang at the Great Hall of the People.
Earlier, upon arriving at the Great Hall, PM Shehbaz was accorded a warm welcome by the Chinese premier before the two sides held delegation-level talks on bilateral cooperation and regional developments.
During the welcoming ceremony, the two leaders introduced members of their respective delegations as the national anthems of Pakistan and China were played. A guard of honour was also presented to PM Shehbaz.
