Beijing: Khalil Hashmi, Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, has been awarded the Outstanding Diplomat Medal by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, acknowledging his contributions to enhancing Pakistan-China relations. The ceremony took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing, where Hashmi was among eight diplomats honored.

According to Press Information Department, the event marked the first time the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has presented such awards to foreign envoys, recognizing their roles in strengthening bilateral ties with China. Recipients included former ambassadors from Russia, Cambodia, Chad, and Uruguay, as well as current ambassadors from Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan, and Colombia.

Ambassador Hashmi is the first serving Pakistani envoy in Beijing to receive this medal. In his acceptance remarks, he conveyed gratitude towards the Chinese leadership and dedicated the award to his team and family. He acknowledged Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s support and the cooperation of the Asian Affairs Department in enhancing bilateral engagement.

Hashmi emphasized the enduring partnership between Pakistan and China, citing moments of mutual support during crises such as the Kashmir and Sichuan earthquakes. He reaffirmed the commitment to their longstanding friendship, describing it as “higher than the mountains, deeper than the oceans, sweeter than honey, and stronger than steel”.