- The trip focuses on economic cooperation and broker collaboration.
- Hunan official Hu Xusheng receives the president in Changsha.
- Envoys from both nations, senior officials present upon arrival.
President Asif Ali Zardari landed in China shortly after midnight on Saturday, beginning an official visit focused on strengthening economic and trade ties, with special attention to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
According to a statement from his office, he arrived in Changsha and was received by Hu Xusheng, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the Hunan Provincial People’s Congress.
“[The] The ambassadors of China to Pakistan and Pakistan to China were also present on the occasion,” the President’s Secretariat reported.
Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider bid farewell to the president at Allama Iqbal International Airport, according to state broadcaster Pakistan Television Corporation.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement, said the president is scheduled to visit Changsha, Hunan province, from April 25 to 27, followed by Sanya, Hainan province, from April 28 to May 1.
“During the visit, the President will hold meetings with provincial leaders to review the full spectrum of relations between Pakistan and China, with special attention to economic and trade cooperation as well as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC),” the statement added.
According to the FO, the visit is part of the “long tradition of high-level exchanges between Pakistan and China and has special significance as both countries celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year.”
He further noted that the trip reflects the “deep commitment” of both parties to further strengthen the strategic cooperative partnership.
Last year, President Zardari traveled to China on a 10-day official visit, where he met with senior Chinese leaders to deepen bilateral ties, expand cross-sector cooperation and advance shared priorities.
Six MoUs were signed between the Sindh government and business partners, covering agriculture, defence, energy, railway connectivity and farmer training, with plans to expand these initiatives to other provinces.
