Pakistan, China reaffirm parliamentary ties, boost CPEC cooperation

Geneva: Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, held a key bilateral meeting with Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress, on the sidelines of the 6th World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Geneva. The leaders discussed the longstanding Pakistan-China friendship, parliamentary cooperation, economic collaboration, and pressing global and regional issues, including the humanitarian crisis in Palestine.

The meeting took place under the auspices of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), which is hosting the global speakers’ conference from July 29 to 31, 2025.

During the meeting, both sides praised the exemplary and enduring nature of Pakistan-China relations. Speaker Ayaz Sadiq emphasized that Pakistan takes pride in its “all-weather” strategic partnership with China and lauded Chairman Zhao’s role in promoting closer parliamentary ties. He highlighted the importance of institutional engagement through parliamentary friendship groups, which have significantly enhanced mutual understanding and collaboration.

The two leaders reiterated their strong commitment to the timely completion of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), recognizing it as a cornerstone of bilateral economic cooperation. Speaker Sadiq noted that Pakistan is eager to expand cooperation with China in key sectors such as industry, agriculture, information technology, green energy, and mining.

They also exchanged views on global and regional challenges, particularly the humanitarian crisis in Palestine. Speaker Sadiq stressed that lasting peace in the region requires the peaceful resolution of conflicts and affirmed that parliamentary diplomacy plays a vital role in promoting global peace and development.

The meeting concluded with both leaders agreeing to further strengthen parliamentary cooperation and enhance people-to-people ties under the broader framework of CPEC.