ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has termed China as Pakistan’s most reliable friend and said that the friendship between the two countries is a unique example in the world and has stood the test of time.
China’s economic and military strength is an example for the world. Agriculture, IT, artificial intelligence, mining and minerals are priorities in CPEC 2.0. Joint efforts will pave the way for development. He expressed these views while addressing a ceremony held here on Thursday to mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan.
On this occasion, President Asif Ali Zardari, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, federal ministers, members of the assembly and Senate, Chinese ambassador to Pakistan and Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China were also present. Addressing the ceremony, the Prime Minister said that the presence of Chinese brothers in the ceremony was a source of joy. He extended heartfelt congratulations to President Xi Jinping, Prime Minister Li and the Chinese leadership on the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
The Prime Minister reminded that Pakistan was the first Muslim country and one of the first countries in the world to recognize China. 75 years ago, our founders laid the foundation for these relations. After that, we have not looked back. The Prime Minister said that the Pakistan-China friendship, which has a unique example in the world, has stood by Pakistan like a rock in any difficulty including earthquakes and floods. No matter what the disaster, China has supported us in an unparalleled way.
The Prime Minister said that Pakistan also has the honor that the first flight to land at Beijing Airport in the sixties was Pakistani. We arranged Henry Kissinger’s visit. Pakistan has always supported the One China policy and will continue to do so. The Prime Minister said that over time, the friendship between the two countries has grown stronger and stronger, based on common goals and thinking, the two countries have become closer and closer, and cooperation will bring peace and development not only to the two countries but also to the region.
The Prime Minister said that CPEC is a practical manifestation of President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road vision, and CPEC is important for Pakistan’s economy and employment. He said that be it the 2010 floods or any other disaster, China has provided unparalleled support. China was among the first countries to help us with helicopters, medicines, and experts. He said that the Pakistani people have appreciated China’s cooperation in every difficult time, and we cannot forget their help and kindness.
The Prime Minister said that the Chinese President believes in promoting multilateralism and resolving disputes through diplomacy and peaceful dialogue. He said that in the current situation in the region, Pakistan is playing an important role for peace, and China, along with other countries, has strongly supported Pakistan’s efforts. We have a long history of supporting each other without any political interest, Pak-China friendship is deeper than the sea, higher than the Himalayas and sweeter than honey, we will chart the path of development through joint efforts. He said that China also plays a major role in power plants and dams in Pakistan, which are a source of light and energy for us. China is Pakistan’s strongest and most reliable friend. Historians will judge the depth and strength of our friendship, our journey will continue. The Prime Minister said that both countries have participated equally in the partnership that has stood the test of time. Whenever I get the opportunity to visit China, I see new cities and industries emerging there.
Under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, China has lifted 800 million people out of poverty, today China’s economic and military strength is an example for the world. He said that China is helping Pakistan to innovate in agriculture, 1,000 Pakistani agricultural graduates have completed advanced training in China, agriculture, IT, artificial intelligence, mining and minerals are priority sectors in CPEC 2.0.
The Prime Minister said that a large part of Pakistan’s population is young, this is both a challenge and an opportunity, and with Chinese cooperation, they are trying to turn it into an opportunity. He said that the security of Chinese citizens in Pakistan is the top priority, they are providing the best security to every Chinese citizen in Pakistan, and they will spare no effort in this regard. Referring to President Asif Ali Zardari’s recent visit to China, he said that he and I are enthusiastic supporters of Pak-China friendship, the 240 million people of Pakistan consider China as the most reliable friend. He said that like President Zardari, my visit to China will also continue the relations, during the visit, meetings will be held with the Chinese leadership, cooperation against terrorism will be strengthened and security measures will be improved. He expressed the hope that Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit Pakistan soon.
