Beijing, 26 April (H.S.):

Pakistan’s President, Asif Ali Zardari, arrived in Changsha, China, shortly after midnight on Saturday to commence an official visit aimed at deepening economic and trade cooperation between the two nations. This visit is strategically significant as both countries commemorate the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relationship.

According to the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs, President Zardari’s itinerary includes high-level engagements with provincial leaders in Changsha (Hunan province) from April 25 to 27, followed by a visit to Sanya (Hainan province) from April 28 to May 1.

A core objective of these discussions is to provide renewed impetus to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a cornerstone of the bilateral partnership, and to explore further avenues for regional connectivity.

Upon his arrival in Changsha, the President was received by Hu Xusheng, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Hunan Provincial People's Congress, along with senior diplomatic envoys from both Pakistan and China. Prior to his departure, President Zardari was seen off at Allama Iqbal International Airport by Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider.

This high-level visit underscores the enduring commitment of both Islamabad and Beijing to maintaining their long-standing diplomatic tradition and navigating the evolving requirements of their integrated economic framework .

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar