ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq along with a delegation of lawmakers, on a visit to China, met Chairman of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Zhao Leji on Tuesday in Beijing where they discussed steps to strengthen bilateral ties.

The NA speaker said Pakistan’s unparalleled and time-tested friendship with China was built on strong foundations of mutual respect and trust.

He emphasised peoples of the two countries were bound together in an unbreakable bond of friendship. He underscored the importance of enhancing parliamentary cooperation, stressing that stronger parliamentary exchanges and further activation of Parliamentary Friendship Groups would reinforce strategic partnership between the two countries.

The NA speaker said that Pakistan-China strategic partnership was vital for sustainable peace and prosperity in the region. He described CPEC as a game-changer for the entire region.

He reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to strengthen bilateral ties on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations.

Speaker Sadiq thanked Chairman Zhao Leji for the warm reception and hospitality extended to the Pakistani parliamentary delegation. He also formally extended an invitation to the NPC chairman to visit Pakistan.

Mr Leji appreciated the NA speaker’s positive sentiments regarding China and reaffirmed that China attaches great importance to its longstanding and friendly relations with Pakistan. He agreed with Mr Sadiq’s proposal to further strengthen inter-parliamentary exchanges between the two countries.

Lawmakers Romina Khurshid Alam, Nauman, Zeeshan Jaffer and Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri were also present at the meeting.

Published in Dawn, January 21st, 2026