Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari Wednesday termed Pakistan – China strategic partnership critical for the development, peace and security of the region and the world and appreciated China’s support to Pakistan in safeguarding national sovereignty and core national interests.
The President who was addressing the ceremony held at the Aiwan-e-Sadr today to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China said Pakistan was proud to have China as a time tested friend and vowed that the friendship would continue to grow even further in the days to come.
According to prepared text of the speech, the President expressed his delight for participation in the celebrations and thanked Minister Wang Chen for participating in the celebrations adding that his presence today at this historic occasion illustrates the special relationship between our two countries and also demonstrates the special feelings of our peoples for one another.
“It is landmark occasion in our bilateral relations. Pak-China friendship has withstood the test of time and it is a friendship that has grown stronger with every passing day”, he said and thanked the Chinese leadership for sending their special Envoy to participate in the celebrations.
“Today is a day of celebrations of our shared achievements. It is an expression of the true friendship between our peoples”, he said.
He said that this historic occasion reminds us of our shared ideals and goals. “It is yet another marker in our all-weather friendship”, he said and paid glowing tributes to the vision and resolve of the architects of Pakistan-China friendship.
“The founders of this friendship were Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto the leader of the Pakistan People’s Party, Chairman Mao Zedong and Premier Zhou Enlai”, he said and added that together they fashioned the centuries old contacts between our peoples into a very special relationship that has been built on the foundations of goodwill, warmth and sincerity between the two countries.
“China is our true and most reliable friend and partner and we share each other’s joys and sorrows”, he remarked.
“We have a common dream. It is a dream for shared peace and prosperity”, the President said and vowed that together we will transform this dream into reality.
The President said that the people of our two countries are determined to build a bright future for themselves and for the region vowing to jointly accomplish this task.
The President on the occasion assured that the great Chinese Nation will always find Pakistan by its side. He also conveyed warm greetings of the people of Pakistan to its Chinese brothers and sisters on the eve of the 60th anniversary of our diplomatic relations.
He said that the people of Pakistan greatly admire the national accomplishments of the Chinese people, under their wise leadership.
“As china’s closest friend, we truly share the sense of immense pride on China’s great achievements”, he remarked and added that China’s development is a miracle of the modern times.
He said that China’s economic and technological achievements have been a source of inspiration to many, adding that Pakistan has learnt a great deal from China’s economic development model.
The President said that the peoples of the two countries are committed to resist and defeat the enemies of peace and humanity.
He assured that Pakistan will always, support and defend the just cause and core interests of the Chinese Nation – be it Taiwan or Tibet or the fight against extremism.
He said that the people of Pakistan deeply appreciate the support extended by our Chinese brothers and sisters during the 2005 earthquake, the floods last year and indeed at all times.
The President ended his remarks with the slogan of “Long Live Pak-China Friendship”.
The ceremony attended by Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani was also participated among others by Chairman Senate, Speaker National Assembly, President AJK, Governors Punjab, KPK, Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan, Chief Ministers Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan, Chinese Minister Wang Chen, ministers, Parliamentarians, Services Chiefs, diplomats, Chinese Ambassador in Pakistan, dignitaries from China and other officials.
Earlier Chinese Minister Wang Chen along with his delegation called on the President and discussed Pak – China bilateral relations. Ms Hina Rabbani Khar, Minister of state for foreign affairs was present during the meeting. Chinese Ambassador in Pakistan, Liu Jian was also present.
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