On Thursday, President Asif Ali Zardari met with China’s Premier Li Qiang in Beijing to discuss the longstanding and robust “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership” between the two nations.
The meeting, held at the Great Hall of the People, emphasized the commitment of both leaders to further strengthen their bilateral relations.
In a joint statement, both leaders reaffirmed the deep-rooted historical friendship between Pakistan and China, a bond that has been continuously strengthened over generations.
President Zardari reiterated Pakistan’s determination to further enhance this relationship, particularly focusing on regional connectivity and economic growth.
“The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has been a cornerstone in promoting regional cooperation and economic development,” President Zardari stated, highlighting the strategic significance of the initiative for both countries.
The leaders also discussed the expansion of cooperation under CPEC 2.0, with an emphasis on areas such as renewable energy, science and technology, infrastructure, and agriculture.
“China’s ongoing support for Pakistan’s development agenda is vital, and we are committed to deepening our collaboration in these key sectors,” President Zardari remarked.
The discussions also touched on the potential for boosting trade and economic cooperation through business-to-business and private sector engagements. Both leaders agreed to promote greater people-to-people and cultural exchanges to further solidify their bilateral ties.
During the visit, several memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were signed between Pakistan and China to enhance ongoing collaboration.
Among the MoUs was an agreement between Pakistan’s Thatta Cement Company and China’s Ching Gang Construction Group, aimed at increasing cement production in Pakistan by 5,000 tonnes per day.
Another MoU was signed between the Sindh Energy Department and China’s Meng Yang Renewable Energy Company to explore joint renewable energy projects in Pakistan.
Additionally, a coal gasification and urea production plant project between the Government of Sindh and a Chinese company was also formalized.
The signing ceremony was attended by key Pakistani officials, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah.
