Pakistan PM offers condolences to China over deadly floods and landslides
The message came as torrential rains overwhelmed parts of northern China, dumping record volumes of water, triggering landslides and forcing mass evacuations.
At least 30 people have been killed, according to Chinese state media, with more fatalities feared as rescue operations continue.
Beijing and surrounding provinces have witnessed some of their worst flooding in years, with entire villages cut off and widespread infrastructure damage reported.
'We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives and displacement caused by the recent torrential rains and landslides in China,' Sharif said in a statement posted on social media. 'On behalf of the people of Pakistan as well as on my own behalf, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and all those affected.'
Sharif noted that Pakistan itself has suffered from extreme weather in recent years and understood the hardship faced by Chinese communities.
'We fully understand and empathize with the hardship that our Chinese brothers and sisters are enduring,' he added. 'We are confident that the resilience and unity of the Chinese people, under the resolute leadership of President Xi Jinping, will see them through this difficult time.'
Sharif said the people of Pakistan stood in solidarity with the people of China, adding they were 'bound together through thick and thin, in the spirit of iron clad brotherhood.'
China and Pakistan share a longstanding strategic partnership, with close cooperation in defense, infrastructure, and economic development.
Beijing has invested tens of billions of dollars in Pakistan through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project under the Belt and Road Initiative to enhance regional connectivity.
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