Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday congratulated Chinese President Xi Jinping on the occasion of the Chinese New Year and Spring Festival, while praising the friendship and cooperation shared between the two countries.
In a letter addressed to his Chinese counterpart, President Zardari reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the “iron-clad friendship” between Islamabad and Beijing, adding that he looked forward to discussing ways to further enhance bilateral cooperation and friendship with him in Beijing.
The message came as hundreds of millions of people across Asia are celebrating Lunar New Year, bidding farewell to the Year of the Dragon and ushering in the Year of the Snake.
Chinese citizens enjoy eight consecutive public holidays for the 2025 Spring Festival, an opportunity to share meals, attend traditional performances, and set off fireworks and firecrackers.
Reiterating Pakistan’s support for the One China Policy, President Zardari emphasized the timeless and strategic cooperative partnership between the two nations.
He thanked President Xi for his visionary leadership in advancing Pakistan-China relations and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), acknowledging China’s remarkable progress in various sectors over the past year.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz, while extending greetings to the Chinese people, lauded Beijing for its remarkable journey of progress and development, which he attributed to the wisdom and foresight of its visionary leadership under President Xi.
“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.
The PM emphasized that Pakistan and China shared an enduring bond of friendship—a relationship nurtured through generations.
“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 stated.
“Together, we will continue to make meaningful contributions to global peace, prosperity, and harmony,” the Prime Minister added, wishing the New Year brings good fortune and continued success to both nations, further strengthening their unbreakable bond.
