By Eman Alam
ISLAMABad: As the Chinese national across the world celebrating their National Day, the 75 Foundation Day of the People’s Republic of China, a special ceremony was also held in Islamabad to mark the historic eve. Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Mr. Jiang Zaidong hosted a grand banquet at a local hotel which was attended by people from all walks of life, including diplomats, senior Civil and Military officers, prominent journalists and intellectuals, business tycoons and notable politicians. In a rather unprecedented move, both President and Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan jointly made their presence at the occasion which speaks very high of the magnitude of the relations that Pakistan and China enjoy as Iron Brothers.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended heartfelt congratulations to the Chinese people and leadership on the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
Speaking at the ceremony in Islamabad, President Zardari maintained Pakistan’s commitment to collaborate with China for shared prosperity and the promotion of global peace and stability.
He noted that Pakistan and China are “all-weather friends and partners in peace and progress,” highlighting the invaluable contributions of successive generations to transform their friendship into a strategic cooperation.
The president remarked that despite changing global circumstances, the friendship between the two nations remains steadfast. He expressed optimism about furthering the high-quality development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), affirming that China will always find Pakistan a trusted partner and reliable friend.
Highlighting the importance of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the president said that high quality development of CPEC would “help unlock greater benefits for our people, besides enhancing connectivity and prosperity of the region”. He emphasized the importance of advancing the high-quality development of CPEC to unlock greater benefits for the people of two countries. President Zardari, extending the warmest felicitations to Chinese brothers and sisters on the auspicious occasion, stated that the first October marked the rebirth of a strong, united China, achieved through the heroic struggle of the Chinese people under the visionary leadership of the Communist Party. He reflected on the invaluable contributions made by the successive generations in transforming the Pakistan-China friendship into an All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership. China was an iron-clad brother of Pakistan and the entire nation was proud of the enduring friendship as both countries stood by each other during testing times, he added.
In his address at the occasion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Shar congratulated the Chinese government and its citizens on 75th National Day, emphasizing China’s status as a global power and a vital partner in international affairs. The Pakistani Premier celebrated the occasion, calling it a significant day for both nations during his address.
He reflected on his visit to China in June, noting the warm and friendly welcome he received. “The people of Pakistan and China share an unbreakable and unshakable relationship,” he stated, adding that their friendship is “higher than the Himalayas and deeper than the deepest ocean,” he said.
Talking about CPEC, he said that the second phase of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor would help Pakistan transform its economy. “We are entering into the second phase of CPEC which has huge potential of mutual cooperation in the field of agriculture, Information Technology, mines and minerals and many other important areas of mutual interests,” he added.
Expressing gratitude to the Chinese leadership for their support during challenging times, the PM acknowledged that without Chinese assistance, meeting IMF conditionalities would have been extremely difficult. He reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for China’s positions on Hong Kong, Taiwan, and other international issues.
He also expressed anticipation for the upcoming visit of the Chinese Premier to Pakistan next month, looking forward to deepening collaboration in areas of mutual interest.
He reiterated that the ongoing partnership not only fostered regional development and peace but also contributed to global stability and progress, aligning with President Xi Jinping’s vision.He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for China’s positions on international issues, including those related to Hong Kong and Taiwan. He expressed gratitude for the warm welcome received from President Xi Jinping and the Chinese leadership during his recent visit to China, stating that the relationship between the two countries is indestructible and inseparable.
The Premier said the government was eager to welcome his Chinese counterpart who will participate in Shanghai Cooperation Organization Council of Heads of Government (SCO CHG) meeting to be held in Islamabad.
Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, the host of the event, in his address very warmly thanked all the guests and commended President Xi Jinping’s leadership in initiating a new era of development for China, transitioning from a deprived society to a prosperous one.
He reaffirmed China’s dedication to working alongside Pakistan in the active implementation of its global initiative, which focuses on mutual development and shared cooperation.
