By Asghar Ali Mubarak
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari will embark on a state visit to China from February 4 to 8 at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, underscoring the two countries’ longstanding strategic ties, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) confirmed on Monday.
During his stay in Beijing, President Zardari is set to hold high-level meetings with President Xi, Premier Li Qiang, and other senior Chinese officials.
The discussions will cover a broad spectrum of Pakistan-China relations, with a focus on economic and trade cooperation, security collaboration, and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The two sides will also exchange views on regional and global geopolitical developments and cooperation in multilateral forums.
In addition to official talks, President Zardari will attend the inaugural ceremony of the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, at the special invitation of the Chinese government. His participation highlights growing cultural and diplomatic exchanges between the two nations. Pakistan and China share a long-standing alliance, often described as an “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership.” The visit is expected to reinforce mutual commitments on key economic and security issues, reaffirming Pakistan’s strong ties with its largest trade and investment partner.
President Zardari’s trip comes at a crucial time as Pakistan seeks to revitalise its economy and strengthen regional connectivity through CPEC, a flagship project under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
The visit is likely to result in new agreements aimed at deepening economic collaboration and addressing regional security challenges.
According to MOFA, with both countries facing shifting geopolitical dynamics, the visit is viewed as a reaffirmation of their longstanding diplomatic and economic commitments, reinforcing a partnership that has remained a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy. Last week, President Asif Ali Zardari congratulated Chinese President Xi Jinping on the occasion of the Chinese Spring Festival and the arrival of the Year of the Snake.
In his message, President Zardari expressed his strong commitment to further strengthening the longstanding relationship between Pakistan and China. He conveyed his eagerness to meet with President Xi in Beijing to discuss enhancing bilateral cooperation.
The President acknowledged the resilience of the two nations as All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partners. He highlighted the tireless efforts of successive leaderships in both countries that have contributed to the growth of their unique and robust partnership.
Earlier, Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar reaffirmed the deep-rooted and time-tested Pakistan-China friendship while addressing a ceremony celebrating the Chinese Lunar New Year and Spring Festival.
He described the relationship between the two nations as an exemplary bond, built on mutual trust, respect, and shared development goals.
“Pakistan-China friendship is higher than the Himalayas, deeper than the oceans, and sweeter than honey,” Tarar remarked, emphasising the unwavering ties between the two countries. He noted that beyond geographical borders, Pakistan and China share mountains, highways, and a vision for economic progress.
