President Zardari to visit China on key diplomatic mission

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari is scheduled to embark on an official visit to China from April 25 to May 1, following an invitation extended by the Chinese government, the Foreign Office confirmed.

According to the official statement, the President will visit Changsha in Hunan Province from April 25 to 27, and later travel to Sanya in Hainan Province from April 28 to May 1.

During the visit, President Zardari will hold high-level meetings with Chinese provincial leadership, focusing on strengthening Pakistan–China bilateral relations.

Key areas of discussion will include economic cooperation, trade expansion, and the advancement of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The Foreign Office described the visit as part of the longstanding tradition of close high-level exchanges between the two countries.

It also highlighted that the visit holds special importance as Pakistan and China mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year, reaffirming their commitment to an all-weather strategic partnership.

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held an important meeting in Islamabad with Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir.

The meeting focused on Pakistan–Iran bilateral relations, enhanced security and defence cooperation, and exchanged views on regional stability and evolving geopolitical developments.

Earlier, the Iranian delegation arrived in Islamabad, where they were received by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Field Marshal Asim Munir, and other senior officials.

In a separate development, US envoys are expected to arrive in Islamabad to explore the possibility of initiating a new round of peace discussions with Iran amid a fragile ceasefire environment. However, Iranian state media has indicated that direct negotiations are not currently anticipated.

The White House stated that US representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to engage in in-person discussions with Iranian counterparts, although the exact format and scope of engagement remain unclear at this stage.