BEIJING: China has expressed its commitment to support Pakistan in defending `national sovereignty and territorial integrity`, after a US-led intervention facilitated ceasefire between India and Pakistan.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said China welcomed the two neighbours `handling differences through dialogue` as he met Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar here on Tuesday.

Mr Wang called Pakistan an `ironclad friend` and vowed to deepen the `all-weather strategic cooperative partnership` between the two countries, a readout from China`s foreign ministry said.

Likewise, Mr Dar appreciated China for firmly supporting Pakistan`s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The Foreign Office said Mr Dar met his Chinese counterpart for in-depth discussions during his visit to discuss regional stability.

`Both sides exchanged views on evolving situation in South Asia,future trajectory of PakistanChina friendship and CPEC (China Pakistan Economic Corridor) 2.0.

`Hailing all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and ironclad friendship between Pakistan and China, both leaders expressed satisfaction at the commonality of views on all issues of mutual interest and expressed their firm resolve to continue bilateral cooperation for regional peace, development and stability,` the FO said.

Linkages between parties Earlier, Mr Dar met Minister of International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Liu Jianchao.

The FO said both leaders agreed to deepen linkages between the political parties of Pakistan and the CPC. Mr Liu reiterated that as `all-weather strategic cooperative partner` and `ironclad friend`, China would continue to prioritise its relations with Pakistan.

Mr Dar emphasised the country`s inherent right and capability to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and the security of its people. He also drew attention to India`s unilateral suspension ofthe Indus Waters Treaty, urging the international community to take serious note of what he described as an illegal and provocative move.

The foreign minister reiterated that a just resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions, is indispensable for lasting peace in South Asia.

Mr Dar also expressed appreciation for the IDCPCs role in deepening ties between the Communist Party of China and Pakistan`s political parties, noting its significance in further strengthening bilateralunderstanding.

With Pakistan and China set to celebrate the 74th anniversary of diplomatic relations on May 21, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to preserving the ironclad friendship and ensuring its transmission to future generations.

During the meeting, both leaders agreed to deepen linkages between the political parties of Pakistan and CPC.

The deputy prime minister appreciated China`s firm support to Pakistan`s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and issues of its core interest.

Dar arrived in Beijing yesterday on a threeday official visit on the invitation of his Chinese counterpart amid regional tensions, state-owned Radio Pakistan reported.

The visit comes as tensions remain high in the region following the ceasefire between Pakistan and India after a tense military standoff over the Pahalgam attack in occupied Kashmir, which India blame d on Pakistan without evidence.

On May 6-7, Indian air strikes in Punjab and Azad Kashmir killed civilians, prompting Islamabad to shoot down five Indian jets. After drone interceptions and airbase strikes, US intervention on May 10 led to a ceasefire. India has maintained its aggressive stance, while Pakistan has warned against further escalation and offered dialogue.

Afghanistan`s interim Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is also expected to be in Beijing and participate in the talks to discuss regional peace and security.

Prior to his departure, Dar told the media that China was a major trading partner of Pakistan and that both countries enjoyed an iron-clad close relationship, Associated Press of Pakistan reported.

He said that his meetings with the Chinese leadership would mark discussions on political, local, regional and global issues, besides the recent tensions between Pakistan and India.