China-Pakistan ironclad friendship lasts as long as world exists: Pakistani PM

The ironclad friendship between China and Pakistan will last as long as the world exists, said Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during an exclusive interview with China Media Group (CMG).

Sharif commented on the remarks that compare the relationship between the two countries to "iron brothers" in the interview on Aug 31, when he was in north China's Tianjin Municipality for the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit.

"It is not just rhetoric. It is not just saying words and praising each other. No, it is ingrained in history, it is etched in our historical facts," he said.

Sharif hailed China's unconditional support for his country, calling it "the most beautiful" in their relationship.

"China has always supported Pakistan without attaching any conditions, without attaching any political strings. This is the most beautiful part of this friendship," he said.

The prime minister emphasized Pakistan's unwavering adherence to the one-China policy.

"On our side, Pakistani side, we have never wavered, we have never had second thoughts about this friendship. Pakistan has always supported the one-China policy, has always supported that Taiwan as an integral part of China," he said.

Sharif also expressed the hope that the friendship will grow stronger on the basis of mutual trust, respect and support.

"No power in the world can disturb or change the metrics, ever. Until this world exists, this friendship will be there on the pillars of mutual trust, respect, and of course, ardent desire that we will keep this friendship stronger and stronger through our mutual actions. And actions speak louder than the words," said Sharif.

China-Pakistan ironclad friendship lasts as long as world exists: Pakistani PM

China-Pakistan ironclad friendship lasts as long as world exists: Pakistani PM

China-Pakistan ironclad friendship lasts as long as world exists: Pakistani PM

China-Pakistan ironclad friendship lasts as long as world exists: Pakistani PM

European Union (EU) leaders said on Monday that the bloc was ready to play a role in easing tensions in the Middle East, calling for de-escalation and a return to negotiations.

The EU stands ready to "contribute in every possible way to help de-escalate the situation and facilitate the return to the negotiating table," European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a joint statement following a video conference with leaders from the region.

They added that dialogue and diplomacy remain "the only viable way forward."

Von der Leyen and Costa reaffirmed the EU's commitment to regional stability in the Middle East, calling for the protection of civilians and full respect for international law, international humanitarian law and the principles of the United Nations Charter, according to the statement.

They also expressed "their openness" to enhance maritime defensive operations, which are aimed at protecting critical waterways and preventing any disruption to vital supply chains, the statement said.

EU ready to help de-escalate situation in Middle East: statement