PTBP Web Desk
President Asif Ali Zardari is set to embark on a significant diplomatic journey to China, commencing on February 4, 2025, at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. This five-day visit, as announced by the Foreign Office (FO) of Pakistan, symbolizes the enduring and robust relationship between Pakistan and China, often described as an “All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership.”
The FO emphasized that this visit is not just a continuation of a tradition of high-level exchanges but also a reaffirmation of mutual commitments on several fronts, including core issues, economic collaboration, and regional stability. “The visit underscores the tradition of high-level exchanges between Pakistan and China, reflecting deep commitment of the two countries to strengthen their All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership,” stated the FO.
During his stay in Beijing, President Zardari is scheduled to engage in comprehensive discussions with key Chinese leaders, including President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. The dialogue will cover the entire spectrum of Pakistan-China relations. Key areas of focus will include
Economic and Trade Cooperation: Both nations will explore avenues to further solidify their economic ties, which have been pivotal through projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Counter-terrorism and Security Collaboration: Given the geopolitical challenges both countries face, discussions on enhancing security cooperation and counter-terrorism strategies are anticipated.
CPEC and Future Connectivity: The CPEC, a flagship project under China’s Belt and Road Initiative, will be a central topic, focusing on its expansion and the next phase of development.
The leaders will exchange views on the global and regional geopolitical landscape, aiming to align their strategies in multilateral platforms for better international cooperation.
Adding a cultural dimension to the visit, President Zardari will also attend the opening ceremony of the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, upon a special invitation by the Chinese government. This participation underscores not only the diplomatic but also the cultural ties between the two nations.
Originally, this visit was slated for November of the previous year but had to be rescheduled due to President Zardari’s foot injury. The rescheduling itself highlights the strategic importance Pakistan and China place on their bilateral relations. According to
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has been actively preparing for this visit, requesting updates from relevant ministries on potential deliverables:
Draft Agreements: The ministries are to provide the final draft texts of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) or agreements in both English and Chinese, ensuring the concurrence of both parties.
Signatory Authorization: Details on who will sign these agreements on behalf of both countries.
Cabinet Approval: Ensuring that all agreements have the necessary approval from the Pakistani cabinet.
This visit is poised to yield several new agreements aimed at deepening economic collaboration, addressing regional security challenges, and paving the way for future connectivity projects. It’s a testament to the ongoing strategic partnership that has remained a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy, especially in the context of shifting global dynamics.
