KARACHI: Talks between President Z.A. Bhutto and the visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Mr Chi Peng-fei, in Karachi yesterday [June 18] were marked with complete identity of views on the illegal detention of Pakistani POWs by India and the threat of trials by the Dacca Administration, according to an official spokesman. During the meeting, which lasted 75 minutes, Mr Chi Peng-fei also gave an account of his latest visit to the U.K., France and Iran.

The Chinese Foreign Minister conveyed to the President the greetings and good wishes of Chairman Mao Tse-tung, Premier Chou En-lai, and the Acting President Mr. Tung Pi-wu. Mr. Bhutto asked Mr Chi Peng-fei to convey the greetings and good wishes of the people of Pakistan and his personal warm regards to … [the] leaders of China.

Earlier, at a luncheon held in his honour by the Sind Chief Minister, Mr. Mumtaz Ali Bhutto, the distinguished Chinese visitor assured ... China’s “unremitting efforts” for the consolidation and development of friendship with Pakistan. Mr Chi Peng-fei said that friendship between China and Pakistan was established on a “solid foundation” and that it had “stood the test of time.

Published in Dawn, June 19th, 2023