PEKING: President Ayub Khan today [March 4] held the most important meetings of his current tour with Chinese leaders. First he held a meeting with Mao Tse-tung, Chairman of the Communist Party of China, which lasted for about two hours. The President’s meeting with Chairman Mao Tse-tung was not scheduled on the programme and it took members of his party by surprise when they were informed about an hour before [the] meeting that the greatest Chinese leader would meet them at 1 pm at the People’s Congress Hall.

Chairman Mao, who normally does not give any public appearances, received President Ayub with a very warm handshake. He also shook hands with everyone accompanying the President, including the Pressmen, and posed for group photographs with them. Others, however, withdrew after the photographs, and Mao and President Ayub then sat down for talks. At 2 p.m they adjourned [the] meeting for lunch, where Chairman Mao played the host. They were together till about 2-50 p.m. Asked about the subjects discussed with Mao, [Foreign Minister Mr Bhutto] said the talks with him were more of general nature. “You are looking in very good health” Chairman Mao told President Ayub as he greeted him.—Correspondent/Agencies

[Meanwhile, as reported by agencies from Peking], President Ayub and his party this morning [March 4] visited Peking No. 2 cotton mill. He acclaimed the mill as first rate for its efficient organisation and high productivity. As the President entered the factory area, thousands of workers broke into thunderous applause.

Published in Dawn March 5th , 2015

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