Pakistan to work with China for shared prosperity, global peace: president

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to work together with China for shared prosperity and promoting peace and stability in the world.

The president expressed these views while addressing the “China’s National Day Reception”, hosted by the Chinese Embassy, to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of People’s Republic of China, at local Hotel on Thursday. The event was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, federal ministers, diplomats, dignitaries and senior civil and military officers.

Highlighting the importance of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), President Asif Ali Zardari said that high quality development of CPEC would help unlock greater benefits for our people, besides enhancing connectivity and prosperity of the region. He added that China is an iron-clad brother of Pakistan and the entire nation is proud of the enduring friendship as both countries stood by each other during testing times.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif said the second phase of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would help Pakistan transform its economy. “We are entering into the second phase of CPEC which has huge potential of mutual cooperation in the field of agriculture, information technology, mines and minerals and many other important areas of mutual interests,” the prime minister said while addressing the event organised by the Chinese Embassy here to commemorate China’s 75th anniversary. He congratulated the Chinese government and its citizens, emphasizing China’s status as a global power and a vital partner in international affairs. The prime minister also acknowledged China’s critical role during the negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He reiterated that the ongoing partnership not only fostered regional development and peace but also contributed to global stability and progress, aligning with President Xi Jinping’s vision. He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for China’s positions on international issues, including those related to Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong reaffirmed China’s dedication to working alongside Pakistan in the active implementation of its global initiative.

Meanwhile, Pakistan and Russia have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding trade and economic ties while enhancing regional connectivity to strengthen bilateral relations. Both nations emphasized the importance of mutually beneficial cooperation in key sectors such as agriculture, food security, business, education, railways, science, and technology, as well as promoting stronger people-to-people connections.

These discussions took place during a meeting between President Asif Ali Zardari and the visiting Russian Deputy Prime Minister, M. Alexei Overchuk, at the Aiwan-e-Sadr on Thursday. The Russian delegation accompanied Overchuk during the meeting. The meeting noted significant potential to expand bilateral cooperation in the agriculture sector. It was also revealed that a 75-member business delegation from Pakistan will visit Russia in October to explore avenues for business and economic collaboration.

Deputy Prime Minister Overchuk expressed Russia’s eagerness to strengthen cooperation with Pakistan in areas such as food security, science and technology, education, connectivity, and railways.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday expressed Pakistan’s keen interest in expanding trade, economic, energy, connectivity, and security cooperation with Russia. Speaking with Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk, who called on him in Islamabad, the prime minister emphasized that strengthening relations with Russia is a key priority in Pakistan’s foreign policy, according to a press release from the PM’s Office.

The prime minister also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Russia and Pakistan. The MoU reflects the shared desire of both countries to strengthen mutually advantageous cooperation in key areas of interest, particularly in trade, investment, energy, IT, agriculture, science and technology, and education.