On October 15, during a meeting at the President’s Office in Pakistan, Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with President Asif Ali Zardari.
Premier Li began by conveying warm greetings and best wishes from President Xi Jinping to President Zardari. He emphasized that China and Pakistan share a long-standing tradition of friendship as good neighbors, friends, partners, and brothers. Li stated that the steadfast and evolving friendship between the two nations continues to grow stronger. Under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and the Pakistani leadership, the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership between China and Pakistan has been deepening, resulting in fruitful outcomes from the high-quality Belt and Road Initiative, with a solid foundation of goodwill between the peoples of both countries.
Li affirmed that China views its relationship with Pakistan from a strategic and long-term perspective, prioritizing Pakistan in its diplomatic engagements in the region. He expressed China’s commitment to working alongside Pakistan to elevate their friendship and cooperation to new heights, ultimately benefiting both nations’ citizens.
The Premier also highlighted China’s willingness to maintain close high-level exchanges with Pakistan, enhance mutual experiences in governance, and firmly support each other on core interests. He mentioned the intention to strengthen the alignment of development strategies, expand economic and trade cooperation, and deepen cultural exchanges. Li emphasized the goal of continuously developing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor as a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative for mutual benefit.
President Zardari reciprocated by asking Premier Li to convey his sincere regards to President Xi Jinping. He remarked on the deep-rooted friendship between Pakistan and China, noting that regardless of the changing international landscape, their relationship remains strong and continues to reach new heights. Zardari reiterated Pakistan’s firm commitment to the one-China principle, asserting that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. He assured that Pakistan will steadfastly support China on core issues of mutual concern. Zardari expressed Pakistan’s desire to maintain high-level exchanges with China, foster the development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, and enhance cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, and cultural sectors, all for the greater good of their citizens. He pledged to do everything possible to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens, institutions, and projects in Pakistan.
