On October 16, 2008, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met with Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari in Ziguangge, Zhongnanhai.

Wen said China and Pakistan share common interests and special friendship, which is an important guarantee for the continuous development of bilateral ties. China is ready to work with Pakistan to earnestly implement various agreed consensus and agreements to push their strategic cooperation for new progress.

Wen pledged to help Pakistan overcome its economic problems and enhance its capacity of independent development by offering assistance. The two countries are highly complementary in economy and there is a sound legal framework for their cooperation, he said, adding that the two countries should cooperate closely and make full use of these advantages to continue to facilitate trade and economic cooperation in a practical, efficient and orderly way. He also suggested both sides explore new ways of cooperation and achieve common development based on equality and mutual benefit.

Zardari said Pakistan and China are traditional friendly neighbors and enjoy a friendship which he said is "deeper than the sea". The special friendly ties have been fostered by several generations of leaders of the two countries, he noted, adding that the Pakistani people feel delighted with and proud of the success and progress achieved by China. Zardari expressed willingness to work with China to advance the political relations between the two countries, tap potential for cooperation and push bilateral exchanges and cooperation in all areas for one new level after another.