President reaffirms his resolve to deepen strategic partnership with China

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to deepen its strategic partnership with China, calling the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) a key symbol of the countries’ enduring friendship and all-weather strategic cooperation.

In his letter to Chinese President Xi Jinping on China’s National Day, Zardari said CPEC’s second phase would drive high-quality development and open new opportunities for Pakistan and China in areas including artificial intelligence, renewable energy and green mining.

He said China’s development over the past 77 years has brought significant economic and social benefits not only to the Chinese people but also to the wider world.

He highlighted China’s success in lifting hundreds of millions of people out of poverty, its focus on inclusive growth and new quality productive forces as well as its expanding role in international affairs.

He said China and Pakistan are commemorating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year.

He noted that the two countries’ iron-clad friendship has withstood the test of time, driven by strategic mutual trust and steadfast support for each other on issues of core interest.

The president said Pakistan attaches the highest importance to its relations with China and remains committed to working closely with President Xi to carry forward the two countries’ unique and special friendship, deepen practical cooperation and accelerate the building of an even closer China-Pakistan Community with a Shared Future in the New Era.

He expressed confidence that the bonds of friendship and cooperation between Pakistan and China would continue to grow, contributing to the prosperity of the two peoples, regional peace and stability and the promotion of a more peaceful, equitable and cooperative regional and international order.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026