Islamabad: Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with China's top diplomat, Wang Yi, pledging to enhance the 'all-weather strategic cooperative partnership' between Islamabad and Beijing. Reaffirming Pakistan's support for China on key issues, Sharif emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral ties.

According to Anadolu Agency, Sharif also articulated Pakistan's interest in expanding cooperation with China across various sectors, including trade, investment, Information and Communication Technology, agriculture, industrialization, and mining. He highlighted the significance of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in fostering Pakistan's socio-economic development and improving regional connectivity.

Wang Yi expressed China's eagerness to elevate its relationship with Pakistan to new levels of cooperation. He commended Pakistan's dedication to safeguarding its sovereignty and assured continued Chinese support in promoting regional peace, development, and stability. The discussions were part of the sixth round of strategic dialogue, co-chaired by Wang and Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar at the Foreign Ministry.

During his visit, Wang also met with President Asif Ali Zardari, who thanked China for its consistent support concerning Pakistan's sovereignty and stance on the Jammu and Kashmir issue. Sharif is scheduled to visit China at the end of August for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit and events marking the end of World War II in Beijing.