BEIJING:President Asif Ali Zardari met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday to discuss the growing and positive relationship between their countries. The two leaders focused on enhancing the development of CPEC 2.0, strengthening people-to-people connections, and promoting cultural exchanges.
During their meeting at the Great Hall of the People, part of Zardari’s official five-day visit to China, they also addressed regional and global issues of mutual interest and explored further opportunities to expand their partnership through high-level exchanges. They emphasized the importance of CPEC 2.0 in boosting regional connectivity, prosperity, and partnerships with other nations.
Both leaders agreed on the value of cultural exchanges in building the China-Pakistan community and reaffirmed their support for each other on key issues. Zardari expressed Pakistan’s commitment to its strategic partnership with China and praised China’s development, noting it as a result of the leadership’s vision and the Chinese people’s efforts. He also commended China’s contributions to global development through the Belt & Road Initiative (BRI) and recognized CPEC as a prime example of win-win cooperation under BRI.
Zardari invited Xi to visit Pakistan, highlighting the respect and friendship the people of Pakistan hold for him.
Following the meeting, an MoU signing ceremony took place, where both sides agreed to collaborate further in science and technology, media, clean energy, and socio-economic development.
Earlier, President Zardari received a warm welcome from Xi Jinping, including a guard of honor and a reception from a group of children. Xi later hosted a state banquet in honor of Zardari and his delegation.
Meeting with Zhao Leji
President Zardari also met with Zhao Leji, Chairman of China’s National People’s Congress Standing Committee, where they emphasized the enduring and deepening friendship between the two countries. They highlighted the importance of strategic trust and ongoing high-level exchanges to strengthen their cooperation.
The two leaders discussed CPEC 2.0’s development, focusing on areas like science and technology, renewable energy, infrastructure, and agriculture. They agreed that CPEC remains a model of people-centered development with shared benefits and prosperity. They also explored enhancing institutional cooperation through parliamentary exchanges and participation in the CPEC Political Parties Joint Consultative Mechanism to further solidify bilateral ties.
