Beijing, February 5, 2025: President Asif Ali Zardari and Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed the strong and enduring relationship between Pakistan and China during a high-level meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Wednesday. The two leaders reiterated their commitment to supporting each other on matters of core national interest and vowed to further strengthen their all-weather strategic cooperative partnership.
Currently on a five-day visit to China, President Zardari praised the robust trajectory of Pakistan-China bilateral relations, emphasizing their deep-rooted diplomatic, economic, and strategic ties. Discussions during the meeting focused on regional and international developments, expanding cooperation in key sectors, and deepening economic collaboration through high-level exchanges.
President Zardari lauded China’s remarkable economic development and global leadership, crediting its progress to the visionary leadership of President Xi and the resilience of the Chinese people. He paid tribute to China’s contributions to global development under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), calling the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) a “shining model” of the initiative’s win-win cooperation philosophy.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the high-quality development of CPEC 2.0, recognizing its role in regional connectivity, shared prosperity, and economic integration. They also stressed the importance of people-to-people exchanges and cultural collaborations in strengthening the China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future in the New Era.
Extending an invitation to President Xi to visit Pakistan, Zardari expressed the deep respect and admiration that both the Pakistani government and its people hold for him as a visionary leader and longstanding friend of Pakistan.
President Xi, in response, reaffirmed China’s unwavering support for Pakistan, describing their relationship as an “ironclad friendship.” He acknowledged the firm political support both nations have provided each other in recent years, highlighting their close high-level exchanges and progress in CPEC construction and multi-sectoral cooperation. He stressed China’s readiness to work with Pakistan in accelerating modernization efforts, strengthening economic collaboration, and contributing to regional peace, stability, and prosperity.
Following the meeting, the two leaders witnessed the signing of multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at enhancing cooperation in science & technology, media, clean energy, and socio-economic development.
President Zardari was warmly welcomed upon his arrival in Beijing, receiving a guard of honor and a heartfelt reception from a group of children. Later in the evening, President Xi Jinping hosted a state banquet in his honor, underscoring the significance of Pakistan-China diplomatic ties.
