BEIJING: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir played an important role in facilitating contacts between the Iranian and American leadership, adding that negotiations between Iran and the United States are moving in the right direction.
The prime minister made these remarks during a ceremony held in his honor at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing during his official visit to China.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang warmly welcomed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the prestigious venue, where the Pakistani leader was also presented with a guard of honor by a smartly turned-out contingent of the Chinese armed forces.
Addressing the ceremony, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed gratitude for China’s hospitality and praised the country’s remarkable development and modernization.
“It is always a matter of great pleasure for me to visit our great friend China. Every time we come here, we witness new construction, extraordinary progress, and remarkable achievements,” the prime minister said.
Speaking about regional diplomacy, Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the role played by Pakistan’s military leadership in reducing tensions and encouraging dialogue between Tehran and Washington.
He stated that Field Marshal Asim Munir had played a “very important role” in establishing contacts between Iranian and American leaders and expressed optimism regarding the ongoing diplomatic process.
“The matters related to Iran-US negotiations are moving forward in the right direction,” the prime minister remarked, without providing further details about the nature of the contacts or discussions.
Analysts believe the statement reflects Pakistan’s continuing diplomatic engagement in regional affairs and its efforts to support stability in the Middle East through dialogue and peaceful negotiations.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also emphasized the deep-rooted friendship between Pakistan and China, describing bilateral relations as stronger than ever. He praised China’s leadership for its economic vision and for supporting Pakistan in difficult times.
The ceremony in Beijing formed part of the prime minister’s broader engagements during his official visit to China, which includes meetings with President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, senior Chinese officials, investors, and business leaders.
During the visit, both countries are expected to discuss cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, energy, technology, and the future expansion of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Officials from both sides have described the visit as significant for strengthening strategic ties and enhancing economic cooperation between Islamabad and Beijing amid evolving regional and global challenges.
The prime minister is also expected to attend events marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, celebrating decades of close political, economic, and strategic partnership between the two countries.
