President Zardari to visit China from April 25 to May 1

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari will undertake an official visit to China from April 25 to May 1 at the invitation of the Chinese government.

According to a statement issued by the Foreign Office, the president will visit Changsha in Hunan Province from April 25 to 27, followed by Sanya in Hainan Province from April 28 to May 1.

He will hold meetings with the provincial leadership to discuss Pakistan–China bilateral relations, with a particular focus on economic and trade cooperation and the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The visit is part of the longstanding tradition of high-level exchanges between Pakistan and China and holds special significance in the context of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, being commemorated this year.

It reflects the shared commitment of both sides to further strengthen their all-weather strategic cooperative partnership.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a key meeting with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir in Islamabad.

During the meeting, both sides discussed Pakistan-Iran bilateral relations, security cooperation, and matters of mutual interest. They also exchanged views on national security issues and the evolving regional situation.

Earlier, the Iranian foreign minister arrived in Islamabad with a delegation and was received by Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Field Marshal Asim Munir, and other senior officials.

Meanwhile, US envoys headed to Islamabad Saturday in a bid to kickstart a new round of peace negotiations with Iran amid a fragile ceasefire, though the prospect of direct talks remained uncertain.

The White House said emissaries Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner would engage in an “in-person conversation” with Iranian representatives, but Iranian state media said that direct negotiations were not on the cards.