China and Pakistan Issue Joint Statement, Urging Peace and Stability in the Middle East

Central News Agency, Beijing, May 26. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is currently visiting China. The two countries issued a joint statement today, expressing their willingness to continue contributing to the early restoration of peace and stability in the Middle East. Pakistan pledged to strengthen security measures to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel and projects within its borders. According to Xinhua, at the invitation of Premier Li Qiang, Sharif paid an official visit to China from the 23rd to the 26th, meeting with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li. The statement emphasized maintaining high-level exchanges, deepening mutual trust, and strengthening defense and security cooperation. Pakistan supports China's four-point proposal for Middle East peace, while China commended Pakistan's role in mediating the US-Iran ceasefire. Both sides agreed to continue counter-terrorism cooperation, promote collaboration in mining and energy, and accept Pakistani astronauts for training in China. Regarding the Kashmir issue, they called for a peaceful resolution.