President Asif Ali Zardari concludes China visit, departs from Sanya after five-day tour

SANYA: President Asif Ali Zardari has departed for Pakistan after completing a five-day official visit to China, concluding his trip from the southern city of Sanya.

He was seen off at Sanya Airport by senior leader of the Communist Party of China’s Hainan chapter, Wang Qiang. The farewell ceremony was also attended by Pakistan’s ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi, Chinese ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong, and senior officials from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Focus on economic cooperation and strategic sectors

During the visit, both sides held detailed discussions on expanding cooperation in key sectors including industry, agriculture, and maritime economy, particularly in the provinces of Hunan and Hainan.

A central focus of the trip was advancing the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), with emphasis on domestic industrial growth and development of the blue economy.

In Changsha, Pakistan and China signed three memorandums of understanding covering cooperation in desalination technology, agricultural innovation, and the tea sector.

In Sanya, in the presence of the president, additional agreements were signed to enhance collaboration in machinery, animal vaccine production, and medical technology. A separate joint investment agreement was also finalised.

High-level meetings and symbolic engagements

President Zardari held detailed meetings with provincial-level leadership of the Communist Party of China in both Changsha and Sanya, where bilateral cooperation and future development plans were discussed.

During his visit, he also travelled to Shaoshan, the birthplace of former Chinese leader Mao Zedong, where he paid tribute.

In Sanya, the president attended the commissioning ceremony of Pakistan Navy’s first Hangor-class submarine as chief guest, marking a significant milestone in defence cooperation.

Strengthening long-term ties

Officials said the visit took place against the backdrop of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China. Both sides reiterated their commitment to expanding cooperation across multiple sectors, including trade, investment, technology, and maritime development, as part of broader efforts to deepen their strategic partnership.