ISLAMABAD: Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, on Wednesday reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Pakistan, promoting people-centred development and working jointly for peace and stability in the Middle East.

Addressing an event in Islamabad, the ambassador said China had reviewed its development achievements and remained committed to pursuing a new model of human development driven by innovation and shared prosperity. He described Pakistan-China relations as exemplary, stressing that both countries should continue learning from each other’s development experiences.

Jiang said China maintains friendly relations with the majority of countries around the world and has successfully lifted more than one billion people out of poverty. He noted that China has contributed around 70 percent of the world’s poverty reduction efforts, attributing the achievement to the people-first approach adopted by the Communist Party of China (CPC).

The ambassador said the CPC would soon unveil its 15th Five-Year Plan, with public welfare remaining at the core of its priorities. He said one of China’s key objectives is to ensure that 90 percent of the population can reach a nearby hospital within 15 minutes, reflecting the country’s commitment to improving public services.

Referring to Pakistan’s development, Jiang appreciated the leadership of President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, saying the country has made economic progress, including an increase in per capita income. He also welcomed Pakistan’s housing initiatives aimed at providing affordable homes to citizens.

The Chinese envoy reiterated Beijing’s readiness to work closely with Pakistan to promote mutual development and further strengthen cooperation under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) for the benefit of the Pakistani people.

Commenting on regional developments, Jiang said all parties should make concerted efforts to ensure peace and stability in the Middle East amid concerns over the future of the Iran-US understanding.

He also praised Pakistan’s role in the Islamabad Agreement, describing it as an important contribution to regional peace. The ambassador said China fully supports Pakistan’s mediation efforts and will continue working with Islamabad to promote lasting peace and stability across the Middle East.