Shanghai: President Asif Ali Zardari has reaffirmed that Pakistan-China relations remain unshakable, and that hostile elements and spoilers will never succeed in undermining this enduring partnership. He was talking to Secretary of the Communist Party of China, Shanghai, Chen Jining in Shanghai on Tuesday.

According to Radio Pakistan, the President stressed that the bilateral friendship will continue to grow from generation to generation. Chen Jining welcomed the President and said that if you ask any Chinese about Pakistan, they will always say Pakistan is our all-weather friend and iron brother. He recalled President Asif Ali Zardari’s productive meeting with President Xi Jinping earlier this year, and the recent visit of Pakistan’s Prime Minister to China. He noted that both sides now look forward to marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year.

Chen Jining also briefed the President on Shanghai’s transformation. Once a manufacturing hub, the city has become a major centre of the service industry, with significant investments in healthcare and education, resulting in higher life expectancy than other parts of China. He also noted that Shanghai is home to more than nine thousand coffee shops, the largest number in any single city worldwide.

The meeting also discussed opportunities for industrial collaboration in Pakistan’s Special Economic Zones and Gwadar Free Zone, particularly in technology, IT, artificial intelligence, and innovation. First Lady Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari and Chairman Pakistan People’s Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari accompanied the President. Later, Chen Jining hosted a dinner in honour of the President and his delegation.