Pak-China friendship bound to grow stronger, deeper despite challenges: Sun Weidong

Sep 28, 2016 Metro 0

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Islamabad: The strong bond of friendship between China and Pakistan is getting stronger with every passing day and, particularly, the relations between the two countries have received a miraculous boost with the initiation of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Ambassador of China in Pakistan Sun Weidong said this at a reception hosted by the Embassy of China to celebrate the country’s 67th Foundation Day. In order to celebrate the National Day of the country the embassy of China had thrown a grand party in honour of the dignitaries, leaders of the political parties—ruling and the opposition both—armed forces of Pakistan, a number of engineers and workers of the two countries are engaged on CPEC projects, ministers, diplomats and noted personalities of the country.
Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq was the chief guest on the occasion. Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Governor Punjab Malik Muhammad Rafique Rajwana, Federal Minister Lt Gen (R) Abdul Qadir Baloch, Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, Dushka Sayed, Mayor of Islamabad Sheikh Anser Aziz, JI Amir Sirajul Haq, Rehman Malik, Wasim Shehzad, Sherry Rehman, Vice Admiral Hasham Bin Siddique, Akram Zaki, Senator Latif Khosa, Abdullah Gul, Dr Fauzia Saieed and Dr Qasim Bughio were some of the stars of the galaxy of guests to wish Ambassador Weidong and his wife Bao Jiqing on the auspicious day.
In his precise speech on the occasion, Ambassador Weidong reiterated his belief in the bright prospects of Pakistan and assured his country’s all-out support to realize the dream of prosperity and progress.
In pursuance of Chinese President’s vision of One Belt One Road (OBOR) China-Pak Economic Corridor was initiated and out of its 30 projects, 16 are either complete are nearing completion, said the ambassador.
On these 16 projects, so far US$14 billion have been invested, he further told. The CPEC project is a mega activity creating thousands of jobs, development in energy, industry, road infrastructure of the country. People from all walks of life and regions of the two countries will be enjoying the dividends of the project, he said.
Ambassador Weidong made it clear that the CPEC project was not against any third party nor was it exclusive in nature. It rather aimed at conducive and compact growth of the entire region.
Since the foundation 67th foundation day coincides with the 65th anniversary of Pakistan China bilateral relations, the day has assumed all the more importance for the people of the two countries, said Ambassador Weidong. He thanked the people and the government of Pakistan for extending generous support to the flood-hit provinces of China. China, he said is the second largest fast growing economy of the world since 2010 and its development is because of the hardworking and committed people of China. It has not only contributed to its own growth and prosperity it has also contributed to the world peace and economy significantly. He also thanked the government and security forces of the country for providing adequate safety and security to the Chinese personnel engaged in CPEC and other projects in Pakistan.
Sardar Ayaz Sadiq while thanking the host said history bears testimony that friendship between China and Pakistan was higher than Himalayas and deeper than oceans. Pakistan rejoices in the fact that it is the first nation which recognized the People’s Republic of China. Pakistan’s flag carrier Pakistan International Airline (PIA) also enjoys the unique privilege that it was the first to operate its flight in the Chinese capital.
Relations between the two countries are based on mutual respect, a shared dream and a shared destiny, said Sardar Ayaz Sadiq. He also termed CPEC project a milestone and hoped the strategic partnership in defence, trade, economy, industry and energy sectors would result in the collective good of the peoples of the two countries.
At the end, the guests were enthralled by the cultural performance of the artists from Chinese Troupe and traditional songs and performance reflecting the great achievements of the Chinese economy, society and culture.

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