On the afternoon of February 5, 2025, President Xi Jinping held talks with Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, who is in China for a state visit, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
Xi Jinping pointed out that China and Pakistan are ironclad friends and all-weather strategic cooperative partners. The enduring traditional friendship between China and Pakistan, forged by the elder generation of leaders of the two countries, is the invaluable treasure of the two countries and two peoples. In recent years, the two countries have provided firm political support for each other, maintained close high-level exchanges, and deeply advanced the development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and cooperation in various fields, setting a good example of state-to-state relations. China is ready to work hand in hand with Pakistan on each other's path to modernization, and speed up efforts to build an even closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era, bring more benefits to the two peoples, and make greater contributions to regional peace, stability and prosperity.
Xi Jinping stressed that China always views its relations with Pakistan from a strategic perspective, maintains a high degree of stability and continuity in its friendly policy toward Pakistan, and is committed to a friendly policy toward all Pakistani people. China will, as always, firmly support Pakistan in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, countering terrorism, and following a development path suited to its national conditions. He called on the two countries to deepen the synergy of development strategies and the exchange of governance experience, strengthen exchanges at all levels and across all departments, and constantly consolidate the political foundation of China-Pakistan relations. China welcomes Pakistan to become one of the first countries to benefit from China's further deepening of reform comprehensively and expanding high-standard opening up. China is ready to deepen practical cooperation with Pakistan in various fields, work together to upgrade CPEC cooperation, and help Pakistan consolidate its development foundations and unleash its development potential. China hopes that the Pakistani side will intensify the security protection for Chinese personnel, projects and institutions in Pakistan, and strengthen bilateral and multilateral counter-terrorism cooperation. Noting that next year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan, Xi Jinping called on the two sides to deepen exchange and cooperation on culture, education and the media, so as to pass on the China-Pakistan friendship from generation to generation. China appreciates Pakistan's active support for the three global initiatives and participation in relevant cooperation, and is ready to work with Pakistan to uphold the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, resist unilateralism and hegemonic practices, strengthen multilateral coordination, and safeguard the common interests of developing countries.
Asif Ali Zardari said that Pakistan and China are close neighbors and all-weather good friends and partners. The friendship between Pakistan and China has weathered changing circumstances, and the hearts of the two peoples have always remained closely connected. Pakistan will stand steadfastly with China no matter how the situation changes. The Pakistani side appreciates China's selfless assistance for Pakistan's economic and social development. Pakistan is willing to learn from China's successful experience and advance the high-quality development of the CPEC and cooperation in various fields, so as to help the country realize its industrialization and modernization. Under the wise leadership of President Xi Jinping, China has played an ever-growing leadership role in international affairs and has become an increasingly important force for safeguarding world peace, stability and prosperity. Pakistan is willing to work closely with China to uphold multilateralism, safeguard free trade, and promote the common interests of the two countries and the vast number of developing countries.
After the talks, the two heads of state jointly witnessed the signing of a number of bilateral cooperation documents in the fields of the CPEC, trade, science and technology, and radio and television.
Before the talks, Xi Jinping held a welcome ceremony for Asif Ali Zardari at the North Hall of the Great Hall of the People.
A 21-gun salute was fired at Tian'anmen Square. The guard of honor lined up in salutation. As the two heads of state stepped onto the stand, the military band played the national anthems of China and Pakistan. Accompanied by Xi Jinping, Asif Ali Zardari reviewed the honor guard of the People's Liberation Army and watched the march-past.
On the evening of the same day, Xi Jinping held a welcome banquet for Asif Ali Zardari at the Golden Hall of the Great Hall of the People.
Wang Yi was present at the above events.
