Islamabad, January 21, 2026: Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar has underscored the enduring “ironclad friendship” between Pakistan and China, noting that 2026 marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. In a recent interview with People’s Daily Online, he highlighted decades of mutual respect, trust, and cooperation, and the steady implementation of key agreements reached by the leadership of both nations.
“Over the past 75 years, Pakistan and China have always supported each other on core interests and major issues, while pursuing close cooperation in sectors such as economy and industrial development,” Dar said, adding that efforts are now accelerating to build a China-Pakistan community with a shared future.
Economic and agricultural cooperation
Dar noted that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has entered a new phase of high-quality development, with a focus on improving people’s livelihoods, particularly in agriculture. Agriculture is a cornerstone of Pakistan’s economy, and collaboration with China has already produced positive results in crops such as chili peppers, rapeseed, and sesame. Many Pakistani agricultural products have gained access to the Chinese market.
In 2025, Pakistan launched a training program for 1,000 agricultural experts in China, sending two batches to study modern agricultural techniques. Dar said that the next phase aims to deepen cooperation across the entire agricultural value chain under the CPEC framework, facilitating sector transformation and modernization.
Industry, technology, and public welfare
Highlighting industrial and technological collaboration, Dar said Chinese solar photovoltaic equipment, electric vehicles, and motorcycles are now available in Pakistan, improving convenience for the public. Chinese companies have also established manufacturing units in the country, creating opportunities for industrial upgrading. “In areas with weak infrastructure and high energy costs, China’s new energy technologies are generating new hope for public welfare,” he said.
Space cooperation
Dar also highlighted achievements in space collaboration, noting that Pakistan and China have jointly launched nine satellites covering communications, earth observation, remote sensing, and lunar missions. He said a Pakistani astronaut is expected to visit the Chinese space station this year. “One success after another in China-Pakistan space cooperation reflects a trustworthy, reliable, and enduring partnership,” he added.
Strategic and global outlook
Looking at broader economic and geopolitical trends, Dar noted that China’s 15th Five-Year Plan and high-quality development strategies are attracting global attention. Pakistan is eager to further strengthen cooperation and learn from China’s modernization experience.
Amid global uncertainties, Dar emphasized the international recognition of the four initiatives proposed by President Xi Jinping, which offer solutions to major world challenges. He referred to the September 2025 Action Plan to Foster an Even Closer China-Pakistan Community with a Shared Future in the New Era (2025–2029), noting that both countries will implement the plan to strengthen practical cooperation.
All-weather strategic partnership
Dar reaffirmed that Pakistan and China are All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partners. Pakistan remains committed to supporting China on issues of core interest, including the One-China policy, and opposes interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states. He emphasized that dialogue, cooperation, development, and a stable, predictable regional environment are essential for peace, shared development, and prosperity in Asia and globally.
“The ironclad friendship between Pakistan and China has continued to deepen despite changing global circumstances, and it will remain a foundation for lasting regional stability and bilateral progress,” Dar concluded.
