On February 28, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Yao Jing met with Asif Ali Zardari, former Pakistani President and Co-Chairman of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) in Islamabad. The Vice Chairman of Senate Saleem Mandviwalla was present.

Zardari said that no matter how Pakistan’s political situation changes, its friendship with China has always been the cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy and the consensus of all parties in the country. He expressed his appreciation for China’s strong support and selfless help to Pakistan whenever the country faced difficulties. He stated that the PPP is ready to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with the Communist Party of China, firmly supports the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership between Pakistan and China and the construction of CPEC and continues to play a positive role in promoting sustained and sound development of bilateral relations.

Ambassador Yao said that the PPP and the Bhutto family are old and good friends of the Chinese people and have long upheld a friendly policy towards China. He commended the former President’s contributions to China-Pakistan relations during his presidency. He said China is ready to further enhance party to party exchanges with the PPP and push forward the relations between the two parties and the two countries.