—- Visits Chinese Embassy to condole demise of Jiang Zemin
—- Says Pakistan-China time-tested friendship is exceptional
—- Chinese Ambassador also meets Finance Minister
BY UZMA ZAFAR
ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi has reiterated Pakistan’s firm resolve to successfully complete projects under CPEC which are accelerating high-quality socio-economic development of the country’s remote areas.
He said this during his visit to the Chinese Embassy yesterday (Tuesday) to extend his heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Government and people of Pakistan to the Chinese leadership and the people over the death of former Chinese President Jiang Zemin.
While signing the condolence book, the President wrote that he was deeply saddened and grieved over the death of Jiang Zemin.
Condoling with Chinese Ambassador Nong Rong, the President said Jiang Zemin was a remarkable leader and a visionary statesman who promoted global peace and stability at bilateral, regional and international levels.
He said Jiang Zemin was a great and trusted friend of Pakistan who made invaluable contributions to strengthen the bilateral all-weather strategic cooperative friendship between the two countries and strengthened people-to-people relations.
Dr Arif Alvi said time-tested friendship between Pakistan and China is based on exceptional trust, understanding, strategic communication and wide-ranging practical cooperation.
He expressed his gratitude on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan for the generous Chinese support during the COVID-19 pandemic and during the devastating floods in the country.
Separately, in meeting with Nong Rong, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar said the government is committed to completing the IMF program while meeting all external debt repayments on time.
The Finance Minister welcomed the Ambassador of Republic of China and highlighted about the long-standing and deep-rooted relations between both countries. It was shared that China and Pakistan have strong bilateral ties in a number of economic avenues.
Both sides discussed about further deepening these ties in economic as well as financial sectors. The Finance Minister expressed grief on the sad demise of former Chinese President Jiang Zemin and said that it is a great loss for China as well as Pakistan as Mr. Zemin was a great friend of Pakistan.
Finance Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar highlighted about the ongoing reconstruction and rehabilitation program being undertaken by the current government. The Finance Minister commended the support of Chinese government in these hard times and shared that present government is taking various measures to protect the vulnerable segment of the society.
It was also shared that government of Pakistan has realistic plan for dealing with any upcoming expenditures regarding reconstruction and rehabilitation program in of flood affected areas.
The Chinese Ambassador appreciated the policy initiatives being taken by the government for sustaining and boosting the fiscal and monetary stability. He shared good will gestures and assured the continuous support of Chinese Government to Pakistan and added that government of China stands with people of Pakistan and is willing to provide every possible assistance.
