President Asif Ali Zardari Meets Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing
BEIJING:President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, held a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in the capital city, Beijing. During the meeting, both leaders emphasized the need to strengthen people-to-people relations and cultural exchanges to reinforce the future of the Pakistan-China community. They expressed that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would enhance regional connectivity, mutual benefits, and prosperity.
According to a press release from the President’s Secretariat, the meeting, which took place at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, was conducted at the delegation level and focused on bilateral relations as well as international issues. Prior to the meeting, a reception was held in honor of President Zardari, where President Xi Jinping warmly welcomed him, and a group of Chinese children also greeted the Pakistani president.
Both leaders discussed the positive momentum in bilateral relations and touched on regional and international matters of mutual interest. They also explored opportunities to expand the scope of the bilateral partnership and reaffirmed their support for each other’s key interests.
President Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to its strategic cooperative partnership with China, highlighting the unique, tested, and special ties between the two nations. He praised China’s remarkable development and prosperity as a reflection of the vision of Chinese leadership and the hardworking Chinese people. President Zardari also lauded China’s deep cooperation in global development under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
He further stated that the CPEC is a shining example of mutually beneficial cooperation under the BRI framework. Discussions also included the high-quality development of CPEC 2.0. A joint communiqué was issued after the meeting, emphasizing that CPEC will enhance regional connectivity, mutual benefits, and prosperity.
The two leaders stressed the importance of public diplomacy and cultural exchanges to further strengthen the future of the Pakistan-China community. During the meeting, President Zardari extended an invitation to President Xi Jinping to visit Pakistan. He expressed that the people and government of Pakistan hold President Xi Jinping in high regard as a visionary leader and a true friend of Pakistan.
Following the meeting, a signing ceremony for memorandums of understanding (MoUs) was held, focusing on enhancing cooperation in various fields including science and technology, media, energy, and socio-economic development. Later, President Xi Jinping hosted a dinner in honor of President Zardari and his delegation.
It is worth mentioning that President Asif Ali Zardari arrived in China on a four-day official visit on Tuesday, which will conclude on February 8.
