President Zardari Meets Senior Chinese Leader in Sichuan, Stresses Deepening Bilateral Ties

Chengdu, China – President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday met with Li Shulei, Member of the Political Bureau and Secretariat of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Minister of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, to discuss strengthening cooperation between Pakistan and China across political, economic, and cultural spheres.

During the meeting, President Zardari thanked Li for hosting him in Sichuan and congratulated him and the organisers on the successful holding of the Second Golden Panda Awards International Culture Forum. He highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to further enhancing political cooperation, economic engagement, cultural exchange, and people-to-people contacts with China.

Li Shulei conveyed warm greetings from Chinese President Xi Jinping, recalling his earlier meeting with President Zardari during the latter’s visit to China in February this year. He also commended President Zardari’s recent article published in China Daily, noting the respect with which Pakistan’s viewpoints are regarded in China.

Praising President Zardari’s role in strengthening bilateral relations, Li said, “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.”