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 14th National People’s Congress of China, Cai Dafeng, in Islamabad today.
Welcoming the Chinese delegation, the President conveyed warm greetings to President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and the people of China. He noted that Pakistan and China are Iron Brothers and All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partners. He said friendship with China remains the cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy and enjoys broad national consensus across political, institutional, and societal levels.
The President said Pakistan fully supports 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 said Pakistan attaches great importance to sustained high-level exchanges and institutional engagement between the two countries. He remarked that he has personally worked proactively to strengthen bilateral ties during both of his presidential tenures.
The meeting also discussed the 75th anniversary of the establishment 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 Pakistan in different sectors, including energy, agriculture, industry, technology, mines, minerals, and marine resources.
Highlighting the importance of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, the President said CPEC has played a significant role in Pakistan’s economic transformation and infrastructure development.
President Zardari expressed satisfaction that the implementation of CPEC 2.0 is progressing through a structured action plan, with accelerated focus 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 longstanding support extended by the President and his family towards the Pakistan-China friendship.
He said celebrations marking 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations would help pass on enduring friendship between the two countries to the younger generation. He expressed confidence that under the leadership of President Xi Jinping and President Asif Ali Zardari, the bilateral relationship would continue to grow from strength to strength.
Regional and international matters also came under discussion during the meeting.
