President Zardari, Chinese envoy discuss bilateral cooperation

ISLAMABAD (APP): The Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, called on President Asif Ali Zardari and discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation between the two friendly countries. Senator Saleem Mandviwalla and senior government officials also attended the meeting.

During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on matters of bilateral importance. The Chinese ambassador expressed his happiness over the President’s recovery and conveyed heartfelt best wishes on behalf of the Chinese leadership.

He also delivered a card from President Xi Jinping wishing a happy new year to President Asif Ali Zardari, emphasizing the deep bond between Pakistan and China.

The ambassador expressed hope that President Zardari would soon visit China to further strengthen bilateral relations. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation in diverse fields.

Likewise, Prime Minister also held a bilateral meeting with the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus and emphasized the need to make joint efforts to explore new avenues of economic cooperation.

During the meeting, the prime minister stressed taking advantage of great potential to boost trade in different sectors including chemicals, cement clinkers, surgical goods, leather goods and IT.

The meeting took place in a cordial environment, truly reflecting the existing goodwill and fraternal ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh, according to a PM Office press release.

PM Shehbaz highlighted the historical, religious and cultural linkages between the two countries. He expressed Pakistan’s keen desire to enhance bilateral cooperation, particularly in the areas of trade, people-to-people contacts and cultural exchanges.

He expressed his gratitude to Bangladesh for the recent steps taken for the facilitation of trade and travel between Pakistan and Bangladesh. This includes waiving off the condition of 100% physical inspection of the consignments from Pakistan and abolishment of special security desk at the Dhaka airport earlier established to scrutinize Pakistani passengers.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Thursday met with the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov on the sidelines of 11th Summit of Developing Eight Countries, being held in Cairo.

During the meeting, they discussed bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Azerbaijan and projects for regional connectivity.