Pakistan's president to visit China for talks

President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari is expected to travel to Beijing on Saturday, April 25, for a weeklong official visit at the invitation of the Chinese government.

According to a statement from Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, cited by American media, discussions during the visit will focus on economic and trade cooperation, as well as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

The visit will also include talks on Pakistan’s role in hosting ceasefire negotiations between the United States and Iran. China has played a facilitating role in enabling Pakistan to serve as a venue for these discussions, and Zardari is expected to address Islamabad’s efforts to host a second round of talks.

The Foreign Ministry noted that the trip is part of a longstanding tradition of high-level exchanges between Pakistan and China. It also carries particular significance as the two countries mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

“It reflects the deep commitment of both countries to further strengthening the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership,” the ministry said.

By Tamilla Hasanova