Islamabad: The recent visit of President Asif Ali Zardari to China has been deemed highly successful in terms of fortifying the strategic and multifaceted ties between Pakistan and China. This was stated by the Presidential Spokesperson, Murtaza Solangi, at a joint news conference with Senator Saleem Mandviwalla in Islamabad.
According to Radio Pakistan, the Presidential Spokesperson highlighted that various Memorandums of Understanding were signed during the visit, paving the way for further deepening the longstanding friendship between the two countries. The President emphasized the importance of strengthening Pak-China relations not only at the top leadership level but also at the provincial and city levels.
Murtaza Solangi elaborated on the strategic and defense aspects of the visit, noting that it marked the first time a foreign head of state visited the Aviation Industry Corporation of China. This conglomerate is engaged in designing and producing a range of military and civilian aircraft. President Zardari toured the complex, which produces the J-10C fighter jet, crucial during the recent conflict with India, and interacted with engineers and scientists on site.
Senator Saleem Mandviwalla remarked that the visit aimed to engage Chinese leadership, business entities, and citizens, reiterating the all-weather friendship between Pakistan and China. Six MoUs were signed to promote bilateral cooperation in agriculture, energy, transportation, technology, food security, livestock, and education. Both parties are keen to transform these MoUs into formal agreements.
The visit to the Kashgar Free Trade Zone in southern Xinjiang was highlighted as significant, with both nations eager to connect it with the Sost and Gwadar Economic Zones. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor, a key project under President Xi’s Belt and Road Initiative, was extensively discussed, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to its successful implementation.
The second phase of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor has been launched, intended to become a corridor of prosperity. Discussions also touched on Pakistan’s achievements in “Marka-e-Haq” and the professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces in “Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos,” which were appreciated during the President’s visit to China.