Karachi: Friendship with China, a true, most reliable friend and partner, is the cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy.
This was stated by the Sindh Governor, Dr. Ishrat Ul Ebad Khan, on Saturday night. He was speaking at a dinner he hosted to celebrate the 60 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China at the Governor House here.
The dinner was attended among others by the provincial ministers, members of the diplomatic community, parliamentarians, businessmen. Earlier, the national anthems of Pakistan and China were played and the Governor and the Consul General of China in Karachi, Zhang Jianxin, jointly cut the cake.
Speaking on the occasion, the Governor said that Pakistan and China are celebrating the year 2011 as 60 years of the establishment of the diplomatic relations and that it is a moment to renew our common resolve to impart a new dynamism to take this all-weather friendship and strategic cooperative partnership to ever new heights.
“I wish to express my gratitude for the unstinting support and solidarity show by the people and government of Pakistan”, Dr. Ishrat remarked adding that two countries since establishing diplomatic relations in 1951 have developed all weather friendship and strategic cooperative partnership.
He said that during the last six decades both countries have forged multi-dimensional cooperation in various fields particularly economic, energy, technology and defence fields.
The Governor said that successive leaders in Pakistan and China have always given their utmost attention to holding high the banner of Sino-Pak friendship.
“On this auspicious occasion, it is time we pay tribute to the architects of Sino-Pak friendship and to all those who contributed to the flourishing of this beautiful friendship and enduring partnership.”
In the prevailing geo-political and geo-strategic dynamics in the world, Pakistan and China need each other more than ever, he added. Dr. Ishrat said that this friendship has withstood the challenges of time and the changes in the international and regional situation.
He said that Pakistan has always strongly supported China and believes in the one-China policy and firmly supports China’s principled stand on Taiwan and Tibet.
“We seek to build on these cooperative ties to ensure our respective countries stability, peace and prosperity”, Dr. Ishrat remarked.
He said that the four-day official visit of Prime minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani to China is very significant during which he held talks with President Hu Jin Tao and Prime minister Wen Jaibao and other leaders on matters of bilateral, regional and global interest.
The Governor described Pakistan-China friendship strategic partnership indispensable and critical factor in ensuring regional and global peace and security. He was confident that both the countries will jointly march forward together in order to realize a glorious future for China and Pakistan.
Speaking on the occasion, the Consul General of China in Karachi, Zhang Jianxin, termed this as a very important and special day for China and Pakistan. He further pointed out that on this day we celebrate such a big event.
For more information, contact:
Sindh Governor House
Syed Wajahat Ali
Press Secretary to Governor
Tel: 99201217, 99201201-3
Email: press_secretary@governorsindh.gov.pk