ISLAMABAD: Amid the uncertainty surrounding talks between the United States and Iran, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday to discuss the situation in the Middle East.

According to the PM Office, PM Shehbaz conveyed his warm regards to President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. Expressing satisfaction with the positive trajectory of bilateral relations, he reaffirmed that Pakistan takes great pride in its All-Weather Coop­erative Strategic Partnership with China.

He also expressed his resolve to continue working closely with the Chinese leadership to further strengthen the relationship. The regional situation and Pakistan’s peace efforts also came under discussion. The Chinese ambassador tha­nked the premier for receiving him and expr­essed China’s appreciation for Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts toward lasting peace.

He reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening its “iron-clad” ties with Pakistan and elevating them to new heights, as envisioned by Presi­dent Xi and Premier Li Qiang.

Shehbaz praises Pakistanis picked for space mission

Earlier, the PM also met two Pakistani candidates, Suparco’s Zeeshan Ali and Khurram Daud, one of whom will be part of an upcoming Chinese space mission.

The premier congratulated them, stating that the space mission was a “matter of pride for the entire nation”.

PM Shehbaz also thanked the Chinese envoy and government for “taking Pakistan-China friendship to the stars”.

Published in Dawn, April 24th, 2026