BEIJING – Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, Dr. Syed Ali Asad Gillani, reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to strengthening its longstanding partnership with Beijing, pledging closer cooperation as the two countries mark 75 years of diplomatic relations.
Gillani presented a copy of his credentials to Hong Lei, China’s Assistant Foreign Minister and Director-General of the Foreign Ministry’s Protocol Department. The ambassador thanked Chinese officials for the warm welcome and expressed his determination to further advance the Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership.
Stressing enduring friendship between two neighbours, Gillani sheds light on importance of building on decades of trust and expanding cooperation across areas of mutual interest. He expressed his will to work closely with Chinese counterparts to carry forward a relationship nurtured by successive generations of leaders.
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The diplomatic engagement comes in a milestone year for bilateral relations. Pakistan and China established diplomatic ties on May 21, 1951, laying the foundation for a partnership that has grown into a central pillar of both countries’ regional engagement.
Gillani brings experience in China-related diplomacy to his assignment. As Director General for China at Pakistan’s Foreign Office, he led the Pakistani delegation at bilateral consular consultations in Beijing in July 2023. Those talks focused on visas, immigration and assistance for citizens, including students, entrepreneurs and prisoners.
Earlier this year, he also represented Pakistan as Additional Secretary at informal discussions involving China, Afghanistan and Pakistan in Urumqi from April 1 to 7.
The ambassador has already participated in public engagements in Beijing during October, including events involving education, investment, traditional medicine and international communication, reflecting the broad range of opportunities for bilateral cooperation.