According to a report, President Asif Ali Zardari is on an official visit to China from February 4 to 8, at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The joint statement issued by the Foreign Office stated that Pakistan and China agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in various fields, including counter-terrorism, defense, agriculture, and information technology. Both countries expressed their determination to thwart any attempts to disrupt bilateral relations.
The statement also mentioned that during the visit, President Xi Jinping engaged in warm and friendly discussions with President Zardari, focusing on Pakistan-China relations and mutual international and regional interests. In addition, meetings were held with Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang and Chairman of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, Zhao Leji.
Both sides affirmed that the relations between China and Pakistan are of strategic importance, and any attempt to weaken or disrupt them will be unsuccessful.
The joint statement further highlighted that China reiterated that its relationship with Pakistan is of special significance in its foreign policy, while Pakistan emphasized that its ties with China are the cornerstone of its foreign policy.
The two sides agreed to enhance international cooperation to jointly address global challenges and promote a community with a shared future for humanity.
The joint statement stated that both sides reaffirmed their unwavering support for each other on issues related to their core interests and major concerns. Pakistan reiterated its strong commitment to the One China principle, stating that Taiwan is an inseparable part of the People’s Republic of China, and expressed support for China’s efforts to achieve national unity.
Pakistan opposes all forms of “Taiwan independence” and will continue to support China on matters related to Xinjiang, Tibet, Hong Kong, and the South China Sea.
China reiterated its strong support for Pakistan’s national security, stability, development, and prosperity, as well as its efforts to protect and defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The joint statement also noted that Pakistan condemned terrorist attacks against Chinese nationals in Pakistan and confirmed that ensuring the protection of Chinese officials, projects, and institutions in Pakistan is a priority for the Pakistani government.
China praised Pakistan’s numerous efforts and sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and expressed its willingness to provide necessary cooperation to enhance Pakistan’s counter-terrorism capabilities.
Both sides agreed to increase cooperation in information technology and promote policy and talent exchanges in the fields of artificial intelligence, data, and communication technology. China will encourage its technology companies to expand their business in Pakistan to accelerate the development of science and technology cooperation in the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The two sides reiterated the importance of a peaceful and prosperous South Asia for the mutual benefit of all parties and emphasized the need to resolve all outstanding disputes and oppose any unilateral actions in the region.
The joint statement mentioned that Pakistan briefed China on the latest developments regarding the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. China reaffirmed that the historical dispute of Jammu and Kashmir should be resolved peacefully in accordance with the UN Charter, relevant Security Council resolutions, and bilateral agreements.
Regarding Afghanistan, the two sides agreed to maintain close contact and coordination to help Afghanistan achieve stable development and integrate into the international community, playing a constructive role in the process.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to combating all forms of terrorism with a zero-tolerance approach and called on the interim Afghan government to take clear steps to eliminate all terrorist groups based in Afghanistan and prevent the use of Afghan territory for attacks against other countries, which pose a serious threat to regional and global security.
The joint statement also welcomed the ceasefire agreement in Gaza and expressed hope for a complete and permanent ceasefire. Both sides reaffirmed their support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, including the right to establish an independent Palestinian state.
During President Zardari’s visit, over a dozen documents were signed covering areas such as CPEC, trade, science and technology, employment, and media cooperation.
President Asif Ali Zardari expressed his appreciation for the warm hospitality extended by President Xi Jinping and the Chinese government and people, and invited President Xi to visit Pakistan at a mutually convenient time.
During his stay in China, President Zardari will also attend the opening ceremony of the 9th Asian Winter Games.
