The Pakistan-China relationship is unique and comprehensive, based on mutual respect and care.

There have been many incidents and events where both countries demonstrated the strength of their relationship.

Formal diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in May 1950. The first few years of bilateral engagement adhered to diplomatic principles.

However, the meetings in 1955 between Pakistani prime minister Muhammad Ali Bogra and late Chinese premier Zhou Enlai at the conference in Bandung, Indonesia, changed the dynamics of the relationship. Since then, the relationship has strengthened.

The ongoing involvement of the top leadership from both countries is a defining feature of the bilateral diplomacy. Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari’s recent trip to China continued this tradition. Zardari met with the top leadership of China.

During the visit Zardari engaged with the Chinese leadership during the nationwide celebration of Spring Festival, which holds a unique significance in Chinese culture. He also joined the leadership to inaugurate the Asian Winter Games, in Harbin, Heilongjiang province.

The world is experiencing dynamic and unprecedented changes.  Zardari and Chinese leaders affirmed that China and Pakistan will remain committed to a bilateral relationship, no matter what the situation is, because China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic partners and friends.

According to the joint statement, China reaffirmed to Pakistan that the China-Pakistan relationship is a priority in its foreign relations and of special significance in China’s foreign policy.

Pakistan reiterated that Pakistan-China relationship is the cornerstone of its foreign policy. Both leaders agreed they would continue to cooperate at global forums and other avenues.

Pakistan reaffirmed its strong support for Chinese reunification and resolute opposition to all forms of “Taiwan independence”. Pakistan will also firmly support China on issues related to Xinjiang and Xizang autonomous regions, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and the South China Sea. 

Both sides showed their strong commitment to implementing the jointly built growth corridor, a livelihood-enhancing corridor, an innovation corridor, a green corridor, and an open corridor to create an upgraded version of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, or CPEC, in line with Pakistan’s 5Es framework.

Pakistan’s 5Es National Economic Transformation Plan focuses on improving exports, digital efficiency, the environment, green energy and social empowerment.

Both nations decided they would work to enhance bilateral trade under the second phase of the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement and find new areas of concessional arrangements to further boost trade.

The CPEC remained the special focus of discussion. 

To reap the immediate benefits of the CPEC, cooperation in the agricultural sector will be expedited.

Moreover, China will encourage its technology companies to invest in Pakistan and help build the innovation corridor.

Both countries agreed to continue investing in the betterment of common people's living standards.

They will work together in the areas of healthcare, agriculture, education, climate response, and disaster prevention and alleviation, and to deliver more “small and beautiful” projects that benefit the people.

The leadership of China and Pakistan appreciated the close cooperation and collaboration between the two militaries. The cooperation has withstood all situations and got stronger with time.

The cooperation has played a pivotal role in maintaining peace and stability in the region. Thus, both countries will continue to promote cooperation and enhance bilateral high-level military leadership engagements and visits.

It is expected that China and Pakistan would continue to work together to advocate for a peaceful and prosperous world. They will promote dialogue over confrontation, partnerships over alliances, multilateralism over unilateralism, and protectionism at the global level.

It is clear that Zardari’s visit to China was a great success. The list of areas of cooperation is lengthy and includes all the important areas.

However, to benefit from the opportunities offered by China, including the Chinese market, and the CPEC, Pakistan will have to improve its business and security environment.

The author is CEO of the Islamabad-based Asian Institute of Eco-civilization Research and Development. The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.