Pak: Will work closely to deepen ties with China

Islamabad: Pakistan’s newly elected President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday promised his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping that he would work closely with him to deepen the all-weather strategic partnership with Beijing and in the development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Zardari, the husband of late Pakistan Prime Minister, Benazir Bhutto was elected as the 14th President of Pakistan on Saturday, becoming the only civilian president of the coup-prone country for a second time.

Responding to Xi’s congratulatory message to Zardari on his re-election as the President of Pakistan, Zardari said the two countries shared a unique bond forged in the crucible of history and nurtured by mutual respect, understanding, and common views on all global issues.

Zardari expressed his commitment to “working closely with the Chinese President to deepen practical cooperation, strengthen the all-weather partnership, and foster a shared community for the benefit of the two countries.”

“Our solid friendship serves as an anchor for regional peace, stability and development,” Zardari said in a statement issued by the President’s House on Thursday.

“Pakistan and China were not merely neighbours, but iron-clad brothers fully committed to the success of our All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership.”