ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: President Asif Ali Zardari has stated that Pakistan and China enjoy long-term strategic relations, which need to be further strengthened in the areas of trade, economy, agriculture, people-to-people contacts, and culture.
Talking to the visiting Chairman of China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) Luo Zhaohui in a meeting at Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad on Wednesday, the president underlined the need for both Countries to continue to work together to take bilateral relations to new heights.
The meeting was also attended by the Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong, the Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Dr. Jahanzeb Khan, and Senior Officials of the Chinese and Pakistani governments.
While reiterating Pakistan’s firm commitment to China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), President Zardari said that Pakistan considered CPEC of immense strategic importance and was fully committed to the timely completion of all CPEC projects.
Highlighting the importance of Gwadar Port, he said that Gwadar Port would not only promote regional connectivity but would also make the transport of goods to China cost-effective.
The president also suggested to undertake joint training projects to equip human resources with skills keeping in view the Chinese demand for skilled workforce.
The Chairman CIDCA Luo Zhaohui briefed the President about the agency’s role in Pakistan’s socio-economic development as well as its contributions in the health and education sectors. He also underlined the need to promote tourism and agricultural cooperation between the two countries.
President Asif Ali Zardari expressed grief over the unfortunate terrorist attack on Chinese workers in Bisham, saying that Pakistan would make all-out efforts to provide a safe environment for the Chinese workers and investors in Pakistan.
The Chairman CIDCA said that the enemies of the two countries wanted to harm bilateral relations but they would never succeed in their designs.
The president thanked the Government of China for its support to Pakistan and for playing a vital role in Pakistan’s economic development.
President Zardari also appreciated CIDCA’s contributions to the rehabilitation of flood-affected people and reconstruction of schools in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh, besides constructing housing units for Lady Health Workers in Sindh and Balochistan.
 Luo Zhaohui in a meeting at Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad on Wednesday, President Asif Ali Zardari underlined the need for both Countries to continue to work together to take bilateral relations to new heights.){kind=link}