China on Wednesday said that the peoples of Pakistan and China share strong and enduring bonds of friendship, adding that the strategic partnership between the two countries continues to strengthen.

The remarks were made by China Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong in a meeting with National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq at the Parliament House.

Sadiq said China is Pakistan’s closest and most reliable friend, which has always stood by Pakistan in every difficult time. He expressed pride in Pakistan’s all-weather and enduring friendship with China.

The speaker appreciated the close cooperation between Pakistan and China in the economic and defence sectors, and noted that Pakistan-China ties are based on strong foundations of mutual trust and respect. He reaffirmed that Pakistan and China are strategic partners.

The NA speaker further stated that both countries have always stood shoulder to shoulder in challenging times, and emphasized that Pakistan-China Defence Cooperation is playing an important role in ensuring sustainable peace in the region.

Recalling his previous tenure as National Assmebly speaker, Sadiq said the address of President Xi Jinping to a joint sitting of the Parliament of Pakistan was a great honour for the country.

The Chinese envoy appreciated the positive remarks of speaker and stated that the peoples of Pakistan and China are bound together by strong and enduring bonds of friendship.