Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday held an important meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, where both leaders discussed bilateral relations and the evolving situation in the Middle East.

During the meeting, PM Shehbaz stressed the need for joint Pakistan-China efforts to promote peace and stability in the region, noting that the ongoing Middle East crisis has affected global economies as well as Pakistan.He expressed gratitude to China and President Xi Jinping for supporting Pakistan’s initiatives aimed at ceasefire and regional stability.

The prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s support for President Xi’s four-point agenda for peace and also highlighted a five-point programme announced by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar alongside the Chinese foreign minister to advance ceasefire efforts.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang appreciated Pakistan’s positive role in promoting regional peace and reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to strengthening its long-standing friendship and cooperation with Islamabad.Both sides also discussed broader strategic ties and agreed that upcoming leadership-level engagements would further deepen bilateral relations.

PM Shehbaz also conveyed condolences over the tragic coal mine explosion in China’s Shanxi province, expressing solidarity with the affected families.

The meeting included high-level delegations, including senior Pakistani officials such as Ishaq Dar and Field Marshal Asim Munir, and featured a ceremonial guard of honour.

The leaders also touched upon Pakistan’s role in facilitating contacts between Iran and the United States, with PM Shehbaz stating that Pakistan had played a constructive diplomatic role in regional dialogue.

He further noted that recent engagements had shown progress towards improving regional understanding and hoped for sustained peace efforts in the future.