In Islamabad, the newly elected President Asif Ali Zardari received early congratulations from key neighboring nations, China and Iran, marking the initiation of his unprecedented second term as the 14th president of Pakistan. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Iranian President Syed Ebrahim Raeesi conveyed their felicitations to Zardari through separate messages as he was sworn in at the Aiwan-e-Sadr.
President Raeesi emphasized the profound cultural and religious connections shared between Iran and Pakistan, underscoring the need to fortify this relationship. In his congratulatory message, he expressed Iran’s readiness to expand ties with Pakistan, stating, “As always, and especially in the new era, the Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to broaden ties with the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.”
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Chinese President Xi Jinping, in his message, congratulated Zardari on his electoral triumph, affirming the strong bonds between China and Pakistan as “good neighbors, good friends, good partners, and good brothers.” Xi regarded the enduring friendship between the two nations as a historical choice and a valuable treasure for their peoples.
Xi Jinping acknowledged the recent years’ close high-level exchanges and mutual support on core issues. He also highlighted the fruitful outcomes of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) construction, illustrating the depth of bilateral relations. The Chinese leader recognized the evolving global landscape and emphasized the heightened strategic significance of China-Pakistan relations in the face of unprecedented century-long changes.
President Xi expressed his high regard for the development of China-Pakistan relations and conveyed his eagerness to collaborate with President Zardari. He pledged to carry forward the traditional bilateral friendship, advance practical cooperation across various domains, and foster greater development of the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership between China and Pakistan. Xi Jinping articulated his commitment to accelerating the establishment of a closer China-Pakistan community, ensuring a shared future in the new era for the benefit of both nations.
As President Zardari embarked on his second term, securing 411 votes against his rival Mahmood Khan Achakzai’s 181, the congratulatory messages from China and Iran underscored the international interest in the direction of Pakistan’s leadership. Zardari’s return to the presidency marked a significant political milestone, considering his earlier tenure from 2008 to 2013.
The messages from President Raeesi and President Xi not only acknowledged the historical ties but also signaled a commitment to enhancing collaboration in the backdrop of evolving global dynamics. The emphasis on traditional friendship, practical cooperation, and strategic partnership outlined a vision for a strengthened and mutually beneficial relationship between Pakistan and its key neighbors, China and Iran.
Zardari’s leadership in this context assumes added significance as he navigates the challenges and opportunities presented by a rapidly changing international landscape. The stage is set for Pakistan to leverage its strategic partnerships with China and Iran, fostering economic, diplomatic, and cultural ties that contribute to regional stability and prosperity. As the nation embarks on this new chapter, the congratulatory messages serve as a diplomatic precursor to the potential avenues of cooperation that may unfold during Zardari’s second presidential term.
