Asif Ali Zardari Assures China on CPEC Security
Pakistan and China signed MoUs to enhance cooperation in science and technology, media, clean energy, and socio-economic development, with a focus on strengthening the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and promoting people-to-people linkages.
In a significant meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, President Asif Ali Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and ensuring the security of Chinese workers on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects.
The two leaders discussed the next phase of CPEC, known as CPEC 2.0, which aims to promote economic growth through industrialization, agricultural modernization, and regional partnerships. They also highlighted the importance of people-to-people exchanges and cultural ties in strengthening their bilateral relationship. The meeting concluded with the signing of several memorandums of understanding to strengthen collaboration in various areas, including science and technology, clean energy, and socio-economic development.
President Zardari commended China's development model and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), calling CPEC a shining model of win-win cooperation. The two leaders reaffirmed support for each other on core interests and underlined the importance of people-to-people linkages and cultural exchanges. Pakistan and China agreed to enhance intelligence sharing and deepen security cooperation, including border security and counterterrorism measures.
During the meeting, President Xi extended an invitation to President Zardari to visit China, emphasizing that he holds high esteem for the people and government of Pakistan. President Zardari also invited President Xi to visit Pakistan, highlighting the importance of people-to-people linkages and cultural exchanges. The meeting focused on strengthening the "all-weather strategic cooperative partnership" between the two nations.
The visit of President Zardari to China marks a significant milestone in the bilateral relationship between the two countries, with a strong emphasis on economic cooperation, security, and cultural exchanges. The signing of MoUs in various areas is expected to further strengthen the partnership and promote mutual growth and development.