ISLAMABAD:President Asif Ali Zardari has reaffirmed the deep-rooted partnership between Pakistan and China, emphatically stating that Pakistan stands with its “iron brother” in all circumstances.
In a recent interview with Chinese broadcaster CGTN, President Zardari expressed a profound personal connection to China, noting he has visited the country 16 to 17 times and feels a “sense of acceptance and warmth” with each trip. He marveled at China’s rapid transformation, observing that its economy has strengthened and its people have become more prosperous since his first visit 14 years ago.
The President firmly grounded the relationship in the principle of mutual respect for sovereignty, which he also identified as central to Beijing’s Global Governance Initiative. “We are all-weather, iron-clad brothers — joined at the hip. That is how close we are, and that is an opportunity,” Zardari stated, adding that he consistently advocates for respect for China in his international travels.
He described the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a “futuristic gift” to coming generations and the flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative. He specifically highlighted the strategic importance of Gwadar Port, calling it China’s closest access point to the Arabian Sea.
A key priority for Pakistan is to achieve self-sufficiency in agriculture by adopting China’s expertise in modern irrigation, water management, and advanced agricultural technology. Cooperation has now expanded to new frontiers, including space, renewable energy, and railway technology.
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Zardari asserted that the right to development is a universal fundamental right and called for a global focus on economic development and peaceful coexistence instead of war. He predicted a bright future where “the entire East will collaborate with Beijing”.
