Zardari, Xi discuss strengthening Pakistan-China ties in Beijing

Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari met with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Wednesday. They discussed strengthening their countries' relationship, speeding up the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects, and ensuring the safety of Chinese nationals in Pakistan.

The meeting was attended by Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, and other officials. President Zardari also met Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress. During this meeting, both leaders highlighted the long-standing and strong China-Pakistan friendship, which has grown over the years.

They also talked about the next phase of CPEC, called CPEC 2.0, focusing on cooperation in areas such as science and technology, renewable energy, infrastructure, and agriculture. Both sides described CPEC as an example of development that benefits people, with an emphasis on mutual cooperation and shared success.

Additionally, they discussed ways to strengthen institutional links between their countries, such as through parliamentary exchanges and participation in the CPEC Political Parties Joint Consultative Mechanism.

President Zardari arrived in Beijing on Tuesday for a five-day state visit, invited by President Xi Jinping. He is accompanied by Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Naqvi, and other officials. During the visit, Zardari is scheduled to meet with top Chinese leaders to talk about trade, investment, regional security, and economic cooperation.

China has become Pakistan’s largest trading partner and a major investor, especially in infrastructure and energy projects.