Pakistan’s President Zardari kicks off 5-day state visit to China

By Aamir Latif

KARACHI, Pakistan (AA) – Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari arrived in Beijing on a five-day state visit at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.

He was accompanied by a delegation, which includes Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, a presidency statement said.

During the visit, the president will hold meetings with Xi, Premier Li Qiang and other senior Chinese political leaders in Beijing.

“Zardari's visit to China holds significance in further strengthening Pakistan-China relations besides helping to enhance bilateral trade and commerce ties,” the statement said.

During the meetings, the two sides will discuss matters of mutual interest including the multi-billion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, regional connectivity, and security cooperation, it concluded.

Strategic cooperation between Beijing and Islamabad has grown over the past several decades. China is Pakistan's largest trading partner and a major investor, especially in infrastructure and energy.