ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORTER
President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, on Monday visited the First National Congress Memorial of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in Shanghai. He was accompanied by First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari and Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.
According to a statement from the Press Wing of the Presidency, the memorial, located in Shanghai’s historic French Concession area, marks the site where the founding session of the CPC was held in July 1921. President Zardari toured the iconic Shikumen-style building and exhibition hall, which houses historic relics, photographs, and documents related to the early history of the Party.
The President praised the preservation of this important cultural and historical heritage site, which is recognized as a national cultural landmark and one of Shanghai’s most significant historical locations.
The memorial commemorates the gathering of thirteen Chinese leaders, including Chairman Mao Zedong, who attended the CPC’s first meeting over a century ago—an event that laid the foundation for transforming China into a global military, technological, and economic power.
In the guestbook, President Zardari wrote that visiting the CPC Memorial was a great honor. He highlighted that the site symbolizes the pivotal role the Communist Party has played in China’s emergence as a global power.
The President also commended President Xi Jinping’s visionary leadership for accelerating the pace of China-Pakistan friendship, stating, “Our historic ties will continue to grow stronger.” He emphasized that under President Xi’s leadership, China has become a major global economic force and affirmed that the “Iron Brotherhood” between Pakistan and China will continue to flourish across all sectors.
President Zardari reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the all-weather strategic partnership with China, expressing hope for continued prosperity and cooperation.
Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, Sindh Information and Transport Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, Sindh Minister for Planning and Energy Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, Ambassador of China to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong, and Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi, were also present during the visit.
