July 8: “A rarely seen introduction”, that’s how the Chinese media described the surprise President Hu Jintao had when his Pakistani counterpart walked in for talks at the ornate Great Hall of the People here hand in hand with his two daughters, Bakhthawar and Asifa.
“They wanted to see you in person”, Mr Zardari told a bewildered Hu on Wednesday night while introducing his daughters, in what was billed as formal one-to-one talks between the two leaders. Mr Zardari proclaimed that the gesture was meant to inspire new generation of Pakistanis to continue “all weather friendship” with China.
It is rare that heads of state during their formal interaction bring their children to the table and the Pakistan President’s gesture prompted official China Daily to describe it as “rarely seen introduction”. But once the introductions were made, Mr Hu and Mr Zardari went for formal one-to-one talks. The current visit by Mr Zardari was fifth since taking office in 2008 and the two countries have reached more than 60 agreements during the visits on a host of issues ranging from nuclear collaboration to trade and investment. “You are old friend. You have paid five visits to China and contributed in great measure to the growth of relations between the two countries. Your trip will further consolidate our strategic partnership to a higher level” Mr Hu told Mr Zardari.
After 100 minutes of talks, including a one-to-one meeting between Mr Hu and Mr Zardari, the two countries re-affirmed to strengthen their strategic relationship between the two countries and increase the level of economic cooperation.