ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has thanked his Chinese counterpart for his message wishing the former a swift recovery from an injury.

Last month, President Zardari fractured his foot while deboarding an aeroplane upon arrival in Dubai. The injury delayed his scheduled visit to China on November 2 as doctors advised him to take a four-week rest.

In his letter dated November 3, Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed concern over Mr Zardari’s injury and conveyed his best wishes for a speedy recovery, according to a statement by the President House press wing.

President Xi also reaffirmed the deep friendship between the two nations and invited his counterpart to visit China.

According to reports, the dates of Mr Zardari’s visit have not been decided yet.

Mr Zardari told his counterpart that he was deeply moved by the messages inquiring about his health from the leadership and people of China. “I will visit China in the near future at an appropriate time,” he said.

Both leaders highlighted the importance of the “all-weather strategic cooperative partnership” between the two countries.

President Xi emphasised the commitment to building a China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era.

Published in Dawn, November 12th, 2024