President Asif Ali Zardari and Chinese Premier Li Qiang reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening strategic cooperation in areas such as economy, investment, and regional connectivity, while emphasizing the need to expedite projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The two leaders made these remarks during a meeting at Aiwan-e-Sadr, Islamabad, on Tuesday.
President Zardari warmly welcomed the Chinese delegation, emphasizing that Pakistan’s friendship with China remains a cornerstone of its foreign policy. He called for exploring new avenues for cooperation and highlighted the importance of enhancing connectivity through all-weather road networks to strengthen trade and people-to-people linkages. Zardari invited Chinese companies to invest in Pakistan, particularly in the Pakistan Stock Exchange, and expressed optimism about fully leveraging China’s economic growth through CPEC and the Gwadar Port. He also announced plans to visit China in November to further bolster ties.
Reflecting on Pakistan’s long-standing relationship with China, Zardari expressed gratitude for Beijing’s unwavering support on critical issues and conveyed his condolences over the loss of two Chinese nationals in a terrorist attack. He assured the Chinese Premier that Pakistan would track down the perpetrators and take measures to ensure the safety of Chinese nationals working in the country. The president also appreciated China’s consistent support on the Jammu and Kashmir issue and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to China’s core interests, including the “One China” policy.
Premier Li Qiang echoed the sentiments of friendship and cooperation, acknowledging President Zardari’s contributions to strengthening Pakistan-China relations. He reiterated China’s support for CPEC and encouraged Chinese companies to invest in Pakistan. Premier Li emphasized the deep strategic partnership between the two countries and expressed confidence that it would continue to grow.
Later, President Zardari hosted a state luncheon for the Chinese delegation, attended by senior Pakistani leaders and officials, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Senate Chairman Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani.
In a related meeting, President Zardari discussed expanding trade ties with Kyrgyzstan during talks with Chairman of the Cabinet of Kyrgyzstan, Akyibek Zhaparov Usenbekovich. The discussions focused on boosting trade in value-added products and enhancing cooperation in sectors of mutual interest, such as ports and logistics.
During a separate engagement, Senate Chairman Gilani met with Premier Li to discuss deepening Pakistan-China relations in economics, trade, and investment. Gilani underscored the historic ties between the two nations, dating back over 2,000 years to the Silk Road, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening the bond.
At the conclusion of Premier Li’s visit, Pakistan and China issued a joint statement, expressing solidarity against any attempts to undermine their cooperation. Both sides underscored the strategic importance of their relationship, highlighting progress in areas like security, defense, and counterterrorism, while calling for continued collaboration in promoting regional stability, including in Afghanistan.
The statement reaffirmed China’s support for Pakistan’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, as well as Pakistan’s commitment to China’s core issues. Both sides also expressed their grave concern over the ongoing conflict in Gaza, urging for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian assistance.
The two nations reiterated their determination to enhance CPEC’s development, focusing on transforming it into a high-quality demonstration project under the Belt and Road Initiative.
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