President Asif Ali Zardari reached the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Wednesday, where he was warmly welcomed by Chinese President Xi Jinping.
A contingent of the Chinese People's Liberation Army presented a guard of honour to President Zardari, while the national anthems of both Pakistan and China were played. Following the formalities, the presidents of both nations introduced their respective delegations.
In a display of cultural warmth, Chinese children greeted President Zardari with a grand welcome, adding a festive touch to the occasion.
A signing ceremony for various memorandums of understanding (MoUs) between Pakistan and China was also held, attended by both President Zardari and President Xi Jinping. The agreements include:
- Cooperation in science and technology
- Promotion of industrial, trade, and economic collaboration
- Enhanced cooperation in sectors such as health, media, energy, and socio-economic development
Zardari, Xi bilateral meeting
President Asif Ali Zardari met with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss ways to further strengthen bilateral relations between Pakistan and China. During the meeting, both leaders exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest and explored opportunities to expand the scope of their partnership.
The two countries reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to supporting each other on issues of core national interest. President Zardari emphasized the unique, time-tested, and special relationship shared by Pakistan and China, describing it as a cornerstone of both nations' foreign policies.
President Zardari praised China’s exemplary development and prosperity, attributing it to the visionary leadership of President Xi Jinping and the dedication of the Chinese people. He also lauded China’s significant contributions to global development.
Highlighting the importance of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), both leaders noted its role in promoting regional connectivity, mutual benefits, and shared prosperity.
The meeting also stressed the need to enhance people-to-people contacts and cultural exchanges to further strengthen the deep-rooted ties between the two nations.
In a gesture of goodwill, President Asif Zardari invited President Xi Jinping to visit Pakistan, further solidifying the strong diplomatic bond.
To honour President Zardari and his delegation, President Xi Jinping hosted a formal dinner, marking the continued warmth and cooperation between the two countries.
Meeting with Standing Committee of National People's Congress president
Earlier in the day, President Asif Ali Zardari met with Zhao Leji, the chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, as part of his five-day visit to China, underscoring the enduring Pak-China friendship and mutual cooperation.
During the high-level meeting, both sides emphasized the need to enhance economic cooperation and deepen strategic mutual trust, which they described as the cornerstone of the Pak-China relationship. The leaders highlighted the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a shining example of development focused on the prosperity of both nations.
According to an official statement, discussions focused on the high-quality development of the second phase of CPEC, with particular attention to advancing cooperation in science and technology, renewable energy, infrastructure, and the agricultural sector. Both nations agreed on the importance of maintaining continuous high-level exchanges to further strengthen practical cooperation.
President Zardari reaffirmed the “evergreen” friendship between Pakistan and China, noting that their ties have deepened and expanded over decades. He stressed that the strategic mutual trust shared by both countries serves as the foundation of their bilateral relations.
In addition to his diplomatic engagements, President Zardari visited the Monument to China’s National Heroes in Beijing. He laid flowers at the site and paid tribute to the courage and bravery of Chinese heroes who sacrificed their lives for their country.
President Zardari was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, and Sindh ministers Sharjeel Inam Memon, Nasir Hussain Shah, and Dr. Asim Hussain.
