Changsha, China 26 April 26, 2026(Kamran Raja): President Asif Ali Zardari, currently on an official visit to China’s Hunan Province, held a high-level meeting with Party Secretary Shen Xiaoming and attended a banquet hosted in his honour by Governor Mao Weiming in Changsha.
The engagement focused on enhancing practical cooperation in key sectors including agriculture, health, education, and trade, while reaffirming the longstanding and resilient partnership between Pakistan and China.
During the meeting, President Zardari invited Shen Xiaoming to visit Pakistan as part of the upcoming 75th anniversary celebrations of diplomatic relations between the two countries. He reiterated that Pakistan-China relations remain a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy and continue to enjoy broad-based public support.
Highlighting his personal and family’s longstanding ties with China, the President recalled the contributions of former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto in strengthening bilateral relations. He noted that this legacy is being carried forward by the next generation, including Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari.
President Zardari underscored Hunan’s expertise in agricultural technology and equipment, expressing interest in collaboration on seed technology, agricultural research, and modern farming practices to boost Pakistan’s productivity. He also highlighted opportunities to expand bilateral trade in agricultural machinery, mineral processing, and information and communication technologies. Regional developments were also discussed.
Officials from Hunan informed the President that universities in the province have signed 12 cooperation agreements with Pakistani institutions. They added that 959 Pakistani students are currently studying in Hunan, strengthening people-to-people ties.
Speaking at the banquet, Governor Mao Weiming described Pakistan and China as “good friends, good neighbours, good partners and good brothers,” and reaffirmed Hunan’s commitment to contributing to the development of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor 2.0.
In his remarks, President Zardari highlighted Hunan’s historical significance as the birthplace of Mao Zedong, noting that his legacy continues to inspire. He also reflected on his first visit to China in 1989, stating that his connection with the country has strengthened over time.
The President emphasized that the people of Pakistan and China share deep-rooted ties and expressed confidence in further strengthening cooperation between Pakistan and Hunan, particularly in sectors observed during the visit.
Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong also addressed the gathering, noting that the President’s visit reflects his deep regard for Chairman Mao. He expressed optimism that expanding cooperation in agriculture, industry, and minerals would further strengthen bilateral ties and add significance to the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
The meeting and banquet were also attended by Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, Ali Hassan Barohi, Special Assistant Syed Qasim Naveed Qamar, Chief Secretary Sindh, and Pakistan’s Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi.