ISLAMABAD: In a striking display of diplomatic dexterity, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, accompanied by Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, held separate, high-stakes meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday in Beijing. The meetings underscore Pakistan’s strategic approach to its foreign policy, positioning itself as a reliable partner to major global powers amidst a shifting geopolitical landscape.
A Strong Reaffirmation of an “Ironclad Friendship”
The morning saw Prime Minister Shehbaz and his delegation which included the foreign, interior, and information ministers—meet with President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People. The timing of the meeting was particularly significant, as it comes amid a notable shift in US-Pakistan relations and India’s attempts to recalibrate its own ties with China. The meeting served to put to rest any lingering doubts about the strength of the Pakistan-China partnership, which some had speculated might be strained by Islamabad’s recent overtures to Washington.
During the meeting, both leaders reaffirmed their “ironclad partnership” and vowed to deepen cooperation. In a powerful statement, Prime Minister Shehbaz declared that no force could shake the strong bond between Pakistan and China. China’s Foreign Ministry echoed this sentiment, with President Xi noting that the friendship was “forged through historical twists and turns and has grown ever stronger over time.”
President Xi emphasized that in a rapidly changing world, a robust China-Pakistan relationship is vital for regional peace and development. He called for accelerating the construction of a “China-Pakistan community with a shared future” and underscored China’s support for Pakistan’s unity, development, and national strength. He also highlighted China’s readiness to advance the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) 2.0 and upgrade the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement, focusing on cooperation in industries, agriculture, and mining to boost Pakistan’s self-reliant development. A key point of discussion was security, with Xi stressing that Pakistan must take “solid and effective measures” to ensure the safety of Chinese nationals and projects within the country.
A New Chapter with Russia: Expanding Trade
Later, Prime Minister Shehbaz and his delegation met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. During this meeting, the Prime Minister highlighted the sincere efforts both nations are making to promote bilateral ties, particularly in trade and commerce. He noted a significant increase in bilateral trade over the past year, attributing some of that growth to Pakistan’s import of oil from Russia. He expressed confidence that Pakistan-Russia relations are on an “upward trajectory.” The two leaders also discussed protocols signed to enhance cooperation in key sectors like agriculture, iron and steel, energy, and transport.
President Putin, in his remarks, called Pakistan a “traditional partner of Russia in Asia” and underscored the importance of expanding trade. He also noted collaboration at inter-parliamentary levels and on international platforms. President Putin extended an invitation for Prime Minister Shehbaz to attend the upcoming SCO Heads of Government meeting in Moscow this November, which the Prime Minister accepted. Putin also offered his heartfelt condolences to the people of Pakistan for the losses caused by the recent floods.
