Urumqi, September 18, 2025: President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday expressed hope that growing linkages between Xinjiang and Pakistan’s northern areas would further strengthen cultural and economic bonds between the two countries.
Speaking during a meeting with Communist Party Secretary of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Chen Xiaojiang, in Urumqi, President Zardari said Pakistan looks forward to enhanced regional connectivity.
“I look forward to the day when both countries can be easily accessed by road,” he said.
The President reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to working with Beijing in combating terrorism and extremism, while also expanding cooperation in agriculture, manufacturing, livestock, mining, industry, and emerging technologies. He highlighted Xinjiang’s pivotal role in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and encouraged greater collaboration in industrial and agricultural sectors, particularly through Special Economic Zones in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Inviting Xinjiang’s people to visit Pakistan’s northern regions, Zardari assured that Pakistan will always remain China’s “most reliable partner and trusted friend.”
Chen Xiaojiang, in his remarks, noted that Xinjiang has become a hub of prosperity, stability, and lasting peace, with GDP exceeding 5.6 trillion yuan. He said the region is advancing in agriculture and livestock while effectively addressing the root causes of extremism and terrorism.
Chen emphasized Xinjiang’s readiness to deepen government-to-government and business-to-business cooperation with Pakistan, particularly in agriculture, livestock, mining, and industry. He also reaffirmed the shared resolve to work closely on security and counter-terrorism.
