ISLAMABAD, 02 November, 2026 (Kamran Raja): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has stressed the importance of sustained political engagement and party-to-party exchanges to further strengthen Pakistan-China relations, describing the longstanding partnership between the two countries as ironclad, time-tested and all-weather. He expressed these views during a meeting with Liu Haixing, Minister of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC), who called on him along with a delegation in Islamabad. Welcoming the Chinese dignitary, the prime minister said the friendship between Pakistan and China was based on mutual trust, mutual respect and deep-rooted bonds between their peoples. He appreciated the vital role of the IDCPC in strengthening institutional ties and promoting cooperation between the political leadership of the two countries. Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to working closely with China, Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the shared resolve to expand bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, connectivity, infrastructure development, information technology and agricultural modernisation. He emphasised that continued political-level engagement and institutional cooperation were essential to advancing the strategic partnership. Liu Haixing conveyed the greetings of the Chinese leadership to the prime minister and reaffirmed China’s commitment to further deepening its longstanding friendship with Pakistan. He also appreciated the positive momentum in high-level engagements and party-to-party exchanges. The two sides exchanged views on regional and international developments and reaffirmed their commitment to close coordination and cooperation at bilateral and multilateral forums. The prime minister also hosted a banquet in honour of the visiting Chinese dignitary and his accompanying delegation.