A Chinese delegation, led by Member of Central Committee of Communist Party of China (CPC), Lu Hao called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Bilawal House on Tuesday and discussed Pak-China bilateral relations and also ties between PPP and CPC.The discussion involved wide ranging matters including mutual cooperation in economic and finance sectors besides the regional situation.He was accompanied by JIA Tingquan Deputy Secretary General CPC Committee of Gansu Province, WANG Yongqian Director General Foreign Affairs, JI Ping, Wang Huanxiang, Du Dingding and Zhao Xu.Senator Jahangir Badar, Senator Mian Raza Rabbani, Pir Mazhar Ul Haq, Raja Pervez Ashraf, Taj Haider, Malik Asif Hayat and Dr. Asad Majid Khan were also present in the meeting from Pakistan side.President Zardari appreciated China’s support for Pakistans’ sovereignty and territorial integrity and underscored the importance of time-tested strategic partnership between the two countries.
He said it was encouraging to note that the traditional Pak-China friendship was being translated into economic cooperation for mutual benefit of the two countries.
The President said Pakistan attaches great importance to enhancing economic and trade links with China. He said that numerous areas such as energy, mining, infrastructure, information technology, telecom, agriculture, irrigation, railway, communication, finance and banking provided excellent opportunities for the peoples of two countries to take advantage and further promote mutual collaboration.
The President called for the need of currency swap agreement between the two countries as it would provide impetus to the existing level of mutual trade by facilitating business community. He also mentioned recently signed Currency Swap agreement with Turkey.
The President said that Chinese investors, businessmen were most welcome to undertake business ventures in Pakistan and take benefit of business-friendly policies and incentives offered by Pakistan Government.
Seeking more investments by Chinese companies in Pakistan, the President stressed upon the need for making efforts to realize full potential of bilateral trade.
He said China was like a second home to him and he was keen to learn from Chinese experience of development and progress.
The President thanked Chinese Government for inviting new generation of Pakistan to visit China and witness the unprecedented progress made by China.
He also thanked the Party for the warm reception and hospitality, extended to Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in his recent visit to China.
Hao congratulated the President on Pakistans’ election to the United Nations Security Councils’ non-permanent seat and said that it demonstrated recognition by world community the constructive role played by Pakistan in promotion of international peace.
The President thanked the Chinese government for supporting Pakistan for the UN Security Councils’ non-permanent seat.
Discussing recent developments and war against militants, Mr. Hao appreciated Pakistan’s countless sacrifices in making this world a safer place to live.
He said China greatly values scarifies made by Pakistani people in the war against terror.
The President said China is a factor of peace development, stability, and Pakistan condemns any attempt to undermine the sovereignty and integrity of China.
He also lauded that the two counties shared perception against the menace of terrorism and their resolve to cooperate with each other to eliminate this threat.
Hao thanked the President for meeting and assured continued support of their Chinese brothers to the people of Pakistan.
He also invited President Zardari to visit Gansu province, which the president agreed to consider.
Hao was of the opinion that both political parties should play their role in promoting harmony.
President Zardari, Chinese delegation discuss bilateral relations
