ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to its strategic partnership with China, describing the bilateral relationship as a time-tested friendship rooted in mutual trust, shared aspirations and steadfast support through every challenge.

Addressing a grand ceremony and photo exhibition held in Islamabad to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, President Zardari said the friendship with China remained a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy and had evolved into a model of interstate relations over the decades.

The ceremony was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gillani, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress Cai Dafeng, Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong, federal ministers, parliamentarians, diplomats and distinguished guests.

President Zardari congratulated the leadership and people of China, especially President Xi Jinping, on completion of 75 years of diplomatic ties, stating that the relationship between Islamabad and Beijing was built on mutual trust, unwavering support and shared development goals.

He said bilateral cooperation had expanded across trade, investment, infrastructure, technology, defence and people-to-people exchanges, while appreciating China’s consistent support to Pakistan on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute and reaffirming Pakistan’s firm adherence to the “One China Policy”.

The president said Pakistan and China would continue supporting peace, stability, development and multilateralism at the regional and global levels. He added that both countries had always safeguarded each other’s core interests and maintained close cooperation in education, agriculture, science and technology, defence and cultural exchanges.

President Zardari thanked the Chinese government for its support in Pakistan’s development projects, particularly Gwadar Port, and termed the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) a historic initiative that continued to play a transformative role in Pakistan’s socio-economic progress.

Paying tribute to President Xi Jinping’s leadership, he said China had achieved unprecedented economic development and remarkable poverty alleviation under his vision.

President Zardari shared that he had visited the country 14 times, including two visits last year, and recently visited the birthplace of Chairman Mao Zedong during his latest trip.

On the occasion, President Zardari unveiled a commemorative postage stamp marking the 75th anniversary of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations.

Speaking at the ceremony, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan was proud to be the first Muslim country to recognize the People’s Republic of China and among the earliest countries in the world to establish diplomatic ties with Beijing in 1951.

“Through mutual efforts, sincerity of purpose and shared commitment, we have built a relationship which is second to none and truly unique in the world,” the prime minister said.

He stated that China had always stood by Pakistan “like a solid rock” during difficult times, including earthquakes, floods and economic challenges, and said Beijing’s support for Islamabad was unmatched in history.

Recalling the devastating 2010 floods in Pakistan, the prime minister said China was among the first countries to provide assistance, sending helicopters, medicines, doctors and experts to help affected people.

“How can we forget these acts of kindness and generosity on the part of the Chinese people,” he remarked.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for the One China Policy, saying Pakistan had supported the principle “without any second thought” and would continue to do so “without fear or favour”.

He termed CPEC, launched under President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a shining example of China’s commitment to Pakistan’s economic development, employment generation and prosperity.

The prime minister praised President Xi’s vision for promoting multilateralism and resolving conflicts through diplomacy and peaceful dialogue, while appreciating China’s support for Pakistan’s peace initiatives in the region.

Describing China as Pakistan’s most steadfast and trusted friend, Prime Minister Shehbaz said the relationship was based on sincerity rather than political interests or conditions.

He said China’s extraordinary economic transformation and its success in lifting over 800 million people out of poverty under President Xi’s leadership served as an inspiration for the world.

Referring to future cooperation under CPEC 2.0, the prime minister said agriculture, information technology, artificial intelligence, special economic zones, and mines and minerals would remain key areas of collaboration.

He highlighted Pakistan’s young population as both a challenge and an opportunity, expressing confidence that with China’s support, Pakistan could transform its youth potential into economic strength.

Prime Minister Shehbaz also appreciated China’s support in training Pakistani agricultural graduates in Chinese universities, saying the initiative was contributing to agricultural research and development in Pakistan.

On security cooperation, the prime minister assured the Chinese leadership that Pakistan would provide the highest level of protection to Chinese nationals working in the country.

“The security meant for the prime minister and president should be available for every Chinese citizen in Pakistan,” he said, adding that Pakistan remained committed to enhancing counterterrorism cooperation with China.

The prime minister expressed hope that President Xi Jinping would visit Pakistan during the year-long celebrations commemorating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

Addressing the ceremony, Cai Dafeng said China and Pakistan had always stood firmly by each other and noted that Pakistan was the first Muslim country to establish diplomatic relations with China on May 21, 1951.

He reaffirmed China’s support for Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national dignity, and pledged enhanced cooperation in education, agriculture, mining, industry, information technology, climate change, media and other sectors.

Cai also reiterated China’s support for Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts and stressed the importance of continued coordination at multilateral forums, including the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

A special photo exhibition held alongside the ceremony showcased memorable moments of Pakistan-China friendship, solidarity and shared achievements over the past seven decades.

The event began with the national anthems of both countries and concluded with President Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chinese dignitaries and Ambassador Jiang Zaidong jointly cutting a commemorative cake, while Pakistani and Chinese children presented colourful performances celebrating the enduring friendship between the two nations.