President Asif Ali Zardari during his interaction with the Chinese media felicitated the newly-elected leadership of China and the 18th Central Committee of Communist Party of China (CPC). "On behalf of the people of Pakistan, the Government, and my own behalf, I wish to congratulate the CPC Party of China for smoothly electing its new Central Committee and new Chinese leadership," the President said in a message issued here on Thursday.
"I wish to congratulate the new General Secretary of the Central Committee Xi Jinping. I also wish to congratulate Li Keqiang," the statement said. The week-long deliberations of the 18th Congress of the Party were watched with great interest not only in China, but throughout the world as well because of its great importance. I wish to congratulate the outgoing leadership of China on successfully completing their term. China became the second largest economy of the world under their watch.
During the past four years I had several very productive meetings with Chinese leaders. We have also been in contact with the new Chinese leadership. During my last visit to Beijing in June this year, Xi Jinping hosted a dinner for me. I also met Li Keqiang in Urumqi last year. I am confident China would continue to progress under their leadership. I am also sure that our bilateral relations would also grow further under the new leadership. The smooth transition of Chinese leadership reflects the wisdom and maturity of the Chinese people. Pakistan and China are tied together with the bonds of friendship, mutual trust and respect.-PR