President, PM, interior minister greet President Xi on Lunar New Year

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have conveyed their heartfelt felicitations to the President of People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping on the auspicious occasion of Chinese Spring Festival and the advent of the Year of the Snake.

In his letter to President Xi Jinping, President Zardari reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the “ironclad friendship” between Pakistan and China, saying that he was looking forward to meeting President Xi Jinping in Beijing to exchange views on further strengthening bilateral cooperation and advancing the bonds of friendship.

In the letter, the president highlighted the resilience and solidarity demonstrated by the two nations as all-weather strategic cooperative partners, adding that the tireless efforts of successive leaderships had nurtured and strengthened this unique and exemplary bond of interstate relations.

“Pakistan would continue to remain firmly committed to the ‘One China’ policy, which is the cornerstone of our foreign policy”, he added. The president also expressed his profound gratitude to President Xi for his unwavering support in furthering Pakistan-China relations, particularly his visionary leadership in advancing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

He said that China had made remarkable progress in 2024 across diverse fields and lauded the enduring and ever-growing friendship between Pakistan and China. The president also extended his best wishes for President Xi’s health and happiness as well as for the continued progress and prosperity of the Chinese people.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday extended greetings to the Chinese people and President Xi Jinping on the Chinese New Year and said that China’s success story served as a beacon of inspiration and confidence for Pakistan.

“China’s awe-inspiring renaissance stands as one of the defining themes of the 21st Century. For us, China’s success story serves as a beacon of inspiration and confidence,” the prime minister said in a televised message on the occasion of Chinese New Year and Spring Festival.

He said that over the last many decades, China’s remarkable journey of progress and development was a testament to the wisdom and foresight of its visionary leadership, particularly President Xi Jinping. The prime minister said that Pakistan and China shared an enduring bond of friendship, a relationship that has been nurtured from generation to generation. “Our close ties, rooted in mutual trust and shared aspirations, have now transformed into a comprehensive strategic partnership. This “iron brotherhood” continues to be a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy, reflecting the deep respect and admiration our nations hold for each other.”

He reiterated that Pakistan and China stood united in their unwavering commitment to a better world.

Meanwhile, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Wednesday extended warm felicitations to the Chinese leadership and people on the occasion of the Chinese New Year. In a statement, he expressed his best wishes for the Chinese leadership and the people hoping that the New Year will bring rapid progress and prosperity to China. He emphasized that China is Pakistan’s most trusted friend and the Pakistan-China friendship is unparalleled globally.

Mohsin Naqvi further stated that no one can undermine the unshakeable Pakistan-China friendship and strategic partnership which is greatly valued by both the nations.