NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq Meets China’s Top Legislator, Reaffirms Strategic Partnership
Islamabad:
Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Tuesday met Chairman of China’s National People’s Congress (NPC), Zhao Leji, in Beijing, reaffirming the depth and durability of the Pakistan–China relationship and calling for stronger inter-parliamentary cooperation. Members of the Pakistani parliamentary delegation accompanying the Speaker were also present at the meeting.
During the discussions, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq expressed Pakistan’s deep pride in its time-tested and unparalleled friendship with China, describing bilateral ties as being rooted in mutual respect and confidence. He said the peoples of both countries are bound together by an unbreakable bond of friendship.
Emphasizing the role of legislatures in advancing bilateral relations, the Speaker underscored the importance of enhancing parliamentary cooperation. He said increased parliamentary exchanges and the further activation of Parliamentary Friendship Groups would play a significant role in deepening ties and reinforcing the strategic partnership between Pakistan and China. He noted that the Pakistan–China strategic partnership remains vital for sustainable peace, development and prosperity in the region.
Speaker Ayaz Sadiq also highlighted the 75-year history of Pakistan–China parliamentary and diplomatic relations, describing them as a model for the international community. He termed the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) a game-changer not only for Pakistan but for the wider region.
Reiterating Pakistan’s resolve to further strengthen bilateral relations on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of Pakistan–China diplomatic ties, the Speaker lauded China’s remarkable development under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, calling it exemplary for the world. He described President Xi’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as a visionary project of key importance for regional development and shared prosperity.
The Speaker 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.
In response, Chairman 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 proposal to further strengthen inter-parliamentary exchanges and commended Pakistan’s role in promoting peace and stability in the region. Chairman 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, Zeeshan Jaffer and Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri.
