President Asif Ali Zardari celebrated a meeting with the Prime Minister of China, Li Qiang in Beijing, to discuss the “strategic cooperative association for all durable and deeply rooted climate between the two countries.
The meeting, held in the Grand Hall of the People, reinforced the commitment of both leaders to strengthen bilateral ties, said Express News.
In a joint statement, both leaders recognized the historical friendship between Pakistan and China, which has been constantly fortified through successive generations.
President Zardari reiterated Pakistan’s resolution to further improve the relationship, with an approach to regional connectivity and economic growth.
“The Economic Corridor of China-Pakistan (CPEC) has played a fundamental role in promoting regional ties and promoting economic development,” said President Zardari, underlining the strategic importance of the initiative for both nations.
Leaders also discussed the expansion of cooperation under CPEC 2.0, particularly in areas such as renewable energy, science and technology, infrastructure and agriculture.
“China’s continuous support to Pakistan’s development agenda is crucial, and we are committed to deepen our collaboration in these key sectors,” said President Zardari.
Both parties also addressed the potential of greater commercial and economic cooperation through company to company and private sector commitments. They agreed to further exchanges from people to people and cultural to further solidify the bilateral relationship.
As part of the ongoing collaboration, several comprehension memorandes (MOU) between Pakistan and China during the visit were signed.
The Mou includes agreements between the company Thatta Cement de Pakistan and the Chinga Chinese gang construction group, with the aim of increasing cement production in Pakistan in 5,000 additional tons per day.
A MOU was also signed between the Sindh energy department and the MENG Yang Renewable Energy Company of China to explore renewable energy projects in Pakistan.
In addition, a coal production and urea production project was also formalized between the Sindh government and a Chinese company.
The signature ceremony was attended by Pakistani key officials, including the Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ishaq Dar, as well as Sindh’s Prime Minister Murad Ali Shah.
