BEIJING: China on Monday conferred the “Outstanding Diplomat Medal” on Pakistan’s Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi in recognition of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.
The medal was awarded at a special ceremony held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing, according to a press release issued by the Pakistan embassy in Beijing.
Overall, eight current and former ambassadors to China were honoured, including former top envoys from the Russian Federation, Cambodia, Chad, and Uruguay, as well as the serving Ambassadors of Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan, and Colombia.
Among the current envoys in Beijing, Ambassador Khalil Hashmi became the first to receive this prestigious award. He is also the first Pakistani Ambassador to China to receive this decoration.
“This was also the first time the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has introduced conferment of awards to foreign envoys who have demonstrated exceptional skills and made vital contribution to the bilateral relations with China,” according to the press release.
In his remarks, Ambassador Hashmi expressed his gratitude to the Chinese leadership for the honour. He dedicated the award to his team, his family, and members of the diplomatic services of both countries, recognising their pivotal role in nurturing the longstanding friendship between Pakistan and China across successive generations.
He thanked Foreign Minister Wang Yi for his guidance, support, and unwavering commitment to deepening ties with Pakistan.
He also acknowledged the invaluable cooperation and assistance provided by the Asian Affairs Department of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in further enhancing bilateral engagement.
Reflecting on the unique nature of Pakistan-China relations, Ambassador Hashmi highlighted that the two countries have consistently supported each other in times of challenge and solidarity, from the 2005 Kashmir earthquake and the 2008 Sichuan earthquake to global public health crises and beyond.
Ambassador Hashmi expressed the resolve that the friendship between Pakistan and China has always been and will continue to be “higher than the mountains, deeper than the oceans, sweeter than honey, and stronger than steel”.
