President calls for further expanding of Pak-China cooperation 

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari emphasised the importance of expanding cooperation between Pakistan and China in political, economic and cultural fields, underlining Pakistan’s commitment to deepening people-to-people contacts and public diplomacy.

The president held a meeting with Li Shulei, Member of the Political Bureau and Secretariat of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, and Minister of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee in Chengdu, China, in which they explored opportunities to enhance bilateral cooperation across political, economic, and cultural spheres.

President Zardari thanked Li for hosting him in Sichuan and felicitated him and the organizers on the successful holding of the Second Golden Panda Awards International Culture Forum, President Secretariat Press Wing said in a press release.

Li Shulei said that President Xi Jinping had sent his best wishes and greetings to President Zardari and recalled their meeting during the President’s visit in February this year.

He also appreciated President Zardari’s recent article in China Daily, underlining the high regard in which Pakistan’s perspectives were held in China.

Li further observed that both he and President Xi highly valued the leadership shown by President Zardari in strengthening the Pakistan-China partnership.

“The world is changing, but China and Pakistan will remain iron-clad brothers. Today, the world needs and deserves the fragrance of books rather than the smell of gunpowder,” he said.

On the other hand, President Asif Ali Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s readiness to work with China and other nations to expand cultural exchanges, strengthen creative industries and promote understanding and a culture of tolerance.

He said culture remained a vital bridge to peace, prosperity and a shared future for humanity.

The president addressed the Second Golden Panda Awards International Culture Forum in Chengdu, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China, and highlighting the power of art and culture in uniting people and connecting civilizations.

The forum was attended by senior Chinese leaders, cultural representatives, artists and international delegates, President Secretariat Press Wing said in a press release.

President Zardari underlined that the enduring Pakistan-China friendship stood as a model of mutual respect and cooperation.

As the two countries prepare to celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties next year, he recalled that this partnership remained not only strategic but also a living testimony of the deep bonds of friendship between their peoples.

President Zardari highlighted Pakistan’s full support for China’s vision of “civilization exchange and mutual learning” and emphasized the significance of the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative (GSI), and the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), noting their focus on sustainable development, regional stability, and more inclusive international cooperation.