LAHORE: Former foreign minister Khurshid Mahmood Kasuri said on Friday that China had consistently supported Pakistan’s efforts to improve relations with India and had never discouraged Islamabad from pursuing better bilateral ties.
The remarks came during a meeting with Bao Zong, head of the South Asian Division of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who met Mr Kasuri in Beijing on behalf of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
Mr Wang sent a bouquet of flowers and warm wishes to Mr Kasuri, reaffirming the longstanding friendship and diplomatic ties between Pakistan and China.
During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on regional and international developments, including the situation surrounding Iran, and expressed confidence in the continued development of Pakistan-China cooperation.
Speaking about the 75 years of diplomatic ties between Pakistan and China, Mr Kasuri said the relationship enjoyed broad national consensus in Pakistan and had remained consistent across successive governments, irrespective of political or civil-military changes.
“Pakistan’s relations with China, Pakistan’s nuclear programme and Pakistan’s Kashmir policy are matters on which there is a national consensus,” he said, adding that the relationship did not depend on which political party or government was in power.
He said the people of Pakistan regarded China as a trusted friend that had consistently stood by the country in times of need. He described the warmth between the two nations as deeply rooted in people-to-people relations.
The former foreign minister expressed confidence in the future of bilateral cooperation, particularly under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He said both countries would coordinate efforts to ensure greater security for Chinese personnel engaged in development projects in Pakistan.
Welcoming the upcoming participation of a Pakistani astronaut in a mission to China’s space station, Mr Kasuri described it as a significant symbol of bilateral friendship. He thanked the Chinese government for the gesture, saying it was deeply appreciated by the people of Pakistan.
On the broader international situation, Mr Kasuri said peace was essential for sustainable development and regional prosperity.
“I believe that whenever there was peace, there was progress. Without peace, no country can make progress.
“China has consistently supported Pakistan’s efforts to improve relations with India and never discouraged Islamabad from pursuing better bilateral ties,” he said.
He added that China’s peaceful rise offered an example for the developing world. He also expressed hope that people in both countries who supported peaceful relations would continue to contribute to greater regional understanding.
Discussing China’s development experience, Mr Kasuri said its progress offered valuable lessons for developing countries, particularly in investing in education, healthcare and human capital.
Recalling his visit to China in the 1990s, he said Shanghai had undergone a remarkable transformation over the decades, reflecting the country’s sustained development.
“The key is to invest in people. If you invest in people, you will see progress,” he said, adding that Pakistan could learn from China’s experience in developing its human resources and improving public services.
Published in Dawn, November 14th, 2026
