On October 14, Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with Pakistan’s Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Chairman General Sahir, Army Chief General Munir, Navy Chief Admiral Ashraf, and Air Chief Marshal Babar in Islamabad.

During the meeting, Li highlighted the enduring friendship between China and Pakistan since the establishment of diplomatic relations. He noted that the two nations have always respected and supported each other, weathering the ups and downs of international changes as true brothers and partners. Under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and Pakistani leadership, the relationship between the two countries has deepened, steadily progressing towards the creation of a closer China-Pakistan community of shared destiny in the new era. Li expressed China’s willingness to work with Pakistan to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of both nations, enhance strategic coordination, and strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation to better serve the people of both countries.

Li affirmed China’s steadfast support for Pakistan in its quest for a united, stable, prosperous, and strong nation. He reiterated China’s commitment to providing assistance within its capacity and further deepening cooperation across various fields. He also encouraged the two countries’ militaries to continue strengthening collaboration, which would provide a solid foundation for friendship and mutual benefit. Li expressed support for Pakistan’s efforts to combat terrorism and emphasized the importance of deepening counter-terrorism cooperation to unite regional nations in safeguarding peace and stability for both countries and the region as a whole.

In response, the Pakistani side emphasized that deepening the ironclad friendship with China is a widely shared consensus among various sectors of Pakistani society. Pakistan has consistently supported and coordinated with China on issues of core interest, demonstrating strong political mutual trust. The Pakistani military reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the friendly cooperation between the two nations and pledged to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel, institutions, and projects in Pakistan. Furthermore, they expressed a desire to enhance defense and security cooperation with China within bilateral and multilateral frameworks, aiming to protect their shared interests and promote regional peace, stability, and development.