China always prioritizes the development of China-Pakistan relations in its neighborhood diplomacy, regardless of how the international situation may evolve, Chinese President Xi Jinping said in Beijing on Monday.
Xi made the remarks when meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who is on an official visit to China from Saturday to Tuesday.
During the meeting, Xi expressed his pleasure to meet Shehbaz again and asked the prime minister to extend warm greetings to the Pakistani people on behalf of him.
"Over the past 75 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China and Pakistan have fostered mutual understanding, mutual trust, and mutual support, forging an unbreakable traditional friendship. The strategic mutual trust and pragmatic cooperation between our two nations have effectively promoted the development of both countries. No matter how the international situation may evolve, China always prioritizes the development of China-Pakistan relations in its neighborhood diplomacy," said Xi.
In response, Shehbaz commended Xi's leadership and governance philosophy.
"True leadership is earned through selfless hard work, sacrifice and untiring efforts. Your excellency's leadership is a profound expression of this true leadership, serving the cause of the people, people-centric progress and development. Your excellency, I draw a lot of strength from your leadership," said the Pakistani prime minister.
Xi reaffirms China-Pakistan ties as priority in neighborhood diplomacy
Xi reaffirms China-Pakistan ties as priority in neighborhood diplomacy
Chinese President Xi Jinping awarded Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic the Friendship Medal of the People's Republic of China in Beijing on Monday.
As solemn music played and the golden doors slowly opened, Xi and Vucic entered the hall together, followed by Xi's wife Peng Liyuan and Vucic's wife Tamara Vucic.
Applauding guests rose to their feet, and paid respect to the two heads of state.
A Guard of Honor escorted the Friendship Medal into the hall, and amid solemn music, Xi formally presented the medal to Vucic.
Xi highlighted Vucic's long-standing commitment to advancing China-Serbia friendship and underscored the significance of the honor.
"President Vucic has long stayed committed to China-Serbia friendship, and he has always given China the firmest and clearest support on issues concerning China's core interests and major concerns. He gains the respect from the Chinese people. This medal is not only a high recognition of President Vucic's contributions to bilateral friendship, but also carries the earnest expectations of both peoples for building a China-Serbia community with a shared future in the new era," Xi said.
The Friendship Medal is China's highest state honor for foreigners, reserved for those who have made outstanding contributions to China's modernization drive, promoting exchange and cooperation between China and the world, and safeguarding world peace.
At the invitation of Xi, Vucic is on a state visit to China from Sunday to Thursday, with this marking his first state visit to China and his ninth trip to the country overall.
Xi awards Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic China's friendship medal
