Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari has reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering commitment to further strengthening its strategic partnership with China. He expressed this commitment during his meeting with Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress of China, Cai Dafeng, in Islamabad today.
According to Radio Pakistan, the President welcomed the Chinese delegation and conveyed warm greetings to President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and the people of China. He emphasized that Pakistan and China are Iron Brothers and All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partners, stating that friendship with China remains the cornerstone of Pakistan's foreign policy, enjoying broad national consensus across political, institutional, and societal levels.
The President expressed Pakistan's full support for President Xi Jinping's vision of a Community of Shared Future for Mankind and its associated initiatives, including the Belt and Road Initiative, Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative, and Global Governance Initiative.
Referring to his recent visit to China, Asif Ali Zardari highlighted Pakistan's commitment to sustained high-level exchanges and institutional engagement between the two countries. He noted his proactive efforts to strengthen bilateral ties during both of his presidential tenures.
The meeting also discussed the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, being observed today. The President described the occasion as an important milestone in bilateral relations and noted that Pakistan's Parliament has adopted commemorative resolutions to mark the anniversary.
He welcomed increased Chinese investment in various sectors in Pakistan, including energy, agriculture, industry, technology, mines, minerals, and marine resources. Highlighting the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, the President mentioned its significant role in Pakistan's economic transformation and infrastructure development.
President Zardari expressed satisfaction with the progress of CPEC 2.0 through a structured action plan, focusing on industrialization via Special Economic Zones, green energy projects, agriculture modernization, livelihood initiatives, and enhanced connectivity.
On the occasion, Cai Dafeng conveyed cordial greetings from President Xi Jinping to President Asif Ali Zardari and expressed sincere appreciation for the longstanding support extended by the President and his family towards the Pakistan-China friendship. He expressed confidence that under the leadership of President Xi Jinping and President Asif Ali Zardari, the bilateral relationship would continue to grow stronger.
Regional and international matters also came under discussion during the meeting.