Pak-China friendship a timeless model of cooperation: Zardari

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has reaffirmed that the enduring Pakistan-China friendship is a timeless model of mutual respect, strategic trust and cooperation, underscoring that the partnership will remain a cornerstone of regional stability and prosperity.

Addressing the Second Golden Panda Awards International Culture Forum in Chengdu, he said the two nations would celebrate the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic ties next year, a milestone that reflects not only strategic alignment but also deep-rooted people-to-people bonds. “Our friendship is not transactional but a living testimony to trust and solidarity across generations,” he remarked.

The forum, attended by senior Chinese leaders, cultural representatives, artists, and international delegates, focused on the power of art and culture in uniting people and civilisations. President Zardari congratulated the award winners and praised their creativity, saying such endeavours transcend borders and bring societies closer. “Culture remains a vital bridge to peace, prosperity, and a shared future for humanity,” he added.

Highlighting Pakistan’s strong support for China’s vision of “civilisation exchange and mutual learning”, the president welcomed Beijing’s major international frameworks — the Global Development Initiative (GDI), Global Security Initiative (GSI), and Global Governance Initiative (GGI). He said these initiatives, championed by President Xi Jinping, prioritise sustainable development, inclusivity, diversity of cultures, and win-win cooperation instead of confrontation. “These are pathways that reflect the common values of humanity,” he observed.

Earlier, President Zardari met Li Shulei, Member of the Political Bureau and Minister of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee. They explored ways to expand cooperation in political, economic, and cultural fields. Li conveyed warm greetings from President Xi and recalled their meeting during Zardari’s earlier visit this year. He also praised Zardari’s recent article in China Daily as a reflection of Pakistan’s respected voice in China. Reaffirming China’s deep commitment to its partnership with Islamabad, Li said: “The world is changing, but China and Pakistan will remain iron-clad brothers. Today, the world needs and deserves the fragrance of books rather than the smell of gunpowder.”

Later, a banquet was hosted in honour of President Zardari by Sichuan Party Secretary Wang Xiao Hui. It was attended by First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, Pakistan’s Ambassador Khalil Hashmi, China’s Ambassador Jiang Zaidong, and senior Chinese officials.

Zardari warmly thanked his hosts and recalled that his family’s relationship with China spans four generations. In turn, the Chinese leadership expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s timely support to Sichuan during the devastating 2008 earthquake. A violin rendition of the iconic Pakistani national song ‘Dil Pakistan’ during the banquet was warmly applauded, symbolising the deep emotional bond between the two peoples. Concluding his visit, President Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthen its all-weather friendship with China, pledging to enhance cultural exchanges, creative industries, and people-to-people diplomacy in pursuit of a more peaceful and prosperous region.