BEIJING: President Asif Ali Zardari met with the President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, yesterday. President Zardari reassured China that militant attacks would not disrupt Pakistan's long-standing ties with its all-weather friend, as the two countries moved forward on the next phase of the multibillion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

At the meeting, the two leaders discussed the positive trajectory of the mutual relationship, regional and international issues of common interest, and opportunities to even further expand the scope of bilateral partnership, especially through continued high-level exchanges.

Underlining the enduring friendship between the two countries, they also reaffirmed support for each other on the issues of core interest. President Zardari is currently on a five-day visit to China.

During the meeting, the two leaders discussed the positive trajectory of the bilateral relationship, regional and international issues of common interest, and opportunities to even further expand the scope of bilateral partnership, especially through continued high-level exchanges.

Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan's steadfast commitment to its all-weather strategic cooperative partnership with China and underlined the unique, time-tested and special relationship between the two countries.

He also commended China's exemplary development, progress and prosperity, calling it a manifestation of the vision of the Chinese leadership and the dynamism of the Chinese people.

He also paid rich tribute to President Xi for China's profound contributions to global development under the Belt & Road Initiative (BRI). He termed China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a "shining model of the BRI's visionary concept of win-win cooperation".

Both sides also discussed the high-quality development of CPEC 2.0 and its vital role in promoting regional connectivity, shared benefits and common prosperity, including through partnerships with other countries.

They underlined the significance of people-to-people linkages and cultural exchanges for strengthening the China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future in the New Era.President Zardari extended the invitation to President Xi to visit Pakistan, emphasising that the people and government of Pakistan hold him in high esteem as a visionary leader and as a special friend of Pakistan. Speaking during the meeting, President Xi said China and Pakistan enjoy ironclad friendship and were all-weather strategic cooperative partners.

"In recent years, the two countries have provided firm political support for each other, maintained close high-level exchanges, and advanced the construction of the CEPC and cooperation in various fields, setting a good example for relations between countries," Chinese news agency quoted Xi as saying.

Furthermore, he said, China stands ready to work with Pakistan to advance their respective modernisation drives, accelerate the building of an even closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era, bring more benefits to the two peoples, and make greater contributions to regional peace, stability and prosperity.

The meeting was followed by an MoU signing ceremony where the two leaders witnessed the signing of MoUs to enhance cooperation in the fields of science & technology, media, clean energy and socio-economic development, among others.

Earlier, President Asif Ali Zardari was warmly welcomed by President Xi and presented with the guard of honour upon his arrival. A group of children also extended a warm welcome and offered a heartfelt reception to the President.

After the ceremony, President Xi Jinping hosted a state banquet in honour of President Asif Ali Zardari and his accompanying delegation.

Published in The Daily National Courier, February, 06 2025

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