Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on February 5, reaffirming the “ironclad friendship” and “all-weather strategic cooperative partnership” between the two countries.
The leaders discussed expanding economic and security cooperation, strengthening high-level exchanges, and accelerating the development of the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC 2.0).
CPEC expansion and bilateral cooperation
During the meeting at the Great Hall of the People, Xi highlighted China and Pakistan’s firm political support for each other, as well as their continued collaboration across various fields.
China is always ready to collaborate with Pakistan to advance their respective modernization drives, speed up building of an even closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era, bringing more benefits for the people of the two countries, and work together towards regional peace, stability, and prosperity, Xi said in the meeting.
Both leaders emphasized CPEC’s role in promoting regional connectivity, economic growth, and cooperation with other nations.
Zardari described CPEC as a “shining model” of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and praised China’s development as a testament to its leadership and people. The leaders also underscored the importance of people-to-people linkages and cultural exchanges in strengthening bilateral ties.
Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to its “all-weather strategic cooperative partnership” with China and underlined the “unique, time-tested and special relationship” between the two countries.
Signing of MoUs and state banquet
Following the talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of multiple memorandums of understanding (MoUs) to enhance cooperation in science and technology, media, clean energy, and socio-economic development.
Zardari is currently on a five-day official visit to China. Earlier, Xi held a welcome ceremony for Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari in the Northern Hall of the Great Hall of the People. He welcomed Zardari with a state banquet and a formal guard of honor. A group of children also greeted the Pakistani president upon his arrival.
Security and intelligence sharing
Separately, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met Chinese Minister of Public Security Qi Yanjun in Beijing to strengthen intelligence sharing and counterterrorism cooperation.
The meeting focused on modernizing Pakistan’s police and paramilitary forces with Chinese technology. Naqvi confirmed that Pakistan would procure modern policing technology from China, while both sides agreed to increase cooperation between Beijing Police and Islamabad Police, as well as expand collaboration with Pakistan’s National Police Academy.
Both sides expressed satisfaction with progress made in the Joint Working Group meeting held in January, which focused on bilateral security cooperation. Naqvi also invited his Chinese counterpart to visit Pakistan.
Key highlights from joint Statement between China and Pakistan
Here’s a summary of key points from the Joint Statement between China and Pakistan (Feb 6, 2025):
- Strategic Partnership: Both nations emphasized the China-Pakistan strategic partnership, highlighting mutual support and cooperation, and reaffirmed its importance for regional peace and stability.
- Global Initiatives: Pakistan supported China’s Global Development, Security, and Civilization Initiatives, agreeing to work together on global issues.
- Support for Core Interests: Both sides reaffirmed support for each other’s core interests, including Taiwan, Xinjiang, and the South China Sea for China, and Pakistan’s sovereignty.
- Terrorism and Security: Pakistan condemned terrorism against Chinese personnel and pledged increased security measures. Both sides committed to combating terrorism and enhancing counterterrorism cooperation.
- CPEC and Infrastructure: The two countries are committed to upgrading CPEC projects, including transportation, energy, and trade infrastructure, such as the Gwadar Port and new airport.
- Economic Cooperation: Strengthening trade, financial cooperation, and investment, particularly in mining, agriculture, and IT sectors. They also agreed to encourage Chinese companies to invest in Pakistan.
- Cultural and Educational Cooperation: They agreed to expand people-to-people exchanges in education, culture, and healthcare, including further collaboration in training professionals.
- Regional Stability: Both countries reiterated their commitment to maintaining peace in South Asia, especially regarding the Jammu and Kashmir issue, and promoting stability in Afghanistan.
- Global and Regional Peace: The two sides emphasized multilateralism, cooperation at the UN, and support for peace initiatives in Gaza and the Middle East.
- Bilateral Relations: Over a dozen agreements were signed, focusing on areas like CPEC, trade, science, and people’s livelihoods.
The visit concluded with an invitation for President Xi to visit Pakistan.