ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq met with Chairman of the National People’s Congress (NPC) of China Zhao Leji in Beijing. Members of the parliamentary delegation accompanying the Speaker were also present during the meeting.
Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq expressed Pakistan’s deep pride in its unparalleled and time-tested friendship with China, stating that the Pakistan-China relationship is built on strong foundations of mutual respect and confidence. He emphasized that the peoples of both countries are bound together in an unbreakable bond of friendship.
Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq underscored the importance of enhancing parliamentary cooperation, stressing that stronger parliamentary exchanges and the further activation of Parliamentary Friendship Groups would contribute significantly to deepening bilateral relations and reinforcing the strategic partnership between the two countries. He noted that the Pakistan-China strategic partnership is vital for sustainable peace, development and prosperity in the region.
He said that the 75-year-long Pakistan-China parliamentary and diplomatic relations, based on friendship and mutual respect, serve as a model for the international community. He also described the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a game-changer not only for Pakistan but for the entire region.
The Speaker reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to further strengthen bilateral ties on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations. He lauded China’s remarkable development under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, terming it exemplary for the world, and described President Xi’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as a visionary project of key importance for regional development and shared prosperity.
Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq thanked Chairman Zhao Leji for the warm reception and gracious hospitality extended to the Pakistani parliamentary delegation. He also formally extended an invitation to the Chairman of the National People’s Congress to visit Pakistan.
Chairman NPC Zhao Leji appreciated the Speaker’s positive sentiments regarding 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 between the two countries 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 Ms. Romina Khurshid Alam, Mr. Muhammad Nauman, Ms. Zeeshan Jaffer and Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri.
