ISLAMABAD: Newly appointed Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong on Wednesday expressed a strong commitment to give a new impetus to the all-weather and ironclad friendship between Pakistan and China.
In a message on the tenth anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the envoy said China and Pakistan were linked by mountains and rivers and enjoyed ever-lasting friendship during the past seventy-two years since the establishment of diplomatic ties. “No matter how the international situation may change, Pakistan and China always stood side by side in weal and woe. The two nations have rendered each other mutual understanding and mutual support, as well as forged an ironclad friendship.
Chinese Leaders Give Special Importance to Pakistan
In April 2015, the diplomat recalled that Chinese President Xi Jinping paid a historic state trip to Pakistan, during which the two sides elevated Pakistan-China bilateral ties to an all-weather strategic cooperative partnership, opening up a new chapter in the development of bilateral relations.
Since then, President Xi Jinping has held many meetings with Pakistani leaders and both sides have reached important consensus, which gives the fundamental principles and action guidelines for the development of bilateral ties.
The envoy said that Pakistan-China relations have maintained a high level of operation and were full of vitality and vigor.
He said that both sides have maintained close high-level exchanges. President Xi Jinping sent a message of congratulations on the tenth anniversary of the CPEC and dispatched his Special Representative, Vice Premier of China He Lifeng, to visit Pakistan for the celebration. It fully shows the great importance attached to Pakistan-China ties by the leaders.
He said the Global Development Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative, and Global Security Initiative proposed by President Xi have received positive responses in Pakistan. The strong guidance of the leaders has set the tone for the development of Pakistan-China ties and steered the way forging ahead.
The envoy said that Pakistan-China practical cooperation had achieved fruitful results as the trade and economic cooperation maintained a high level. China has been Pakistan’s largest trading partner for 8 consecutive years, and Pakistan’s exports of agricultural commodities to China have grown rapidly.
He said CPEC has evolved from vision into reality, becoming a clear testament to the all-weather friendship and providing important support for building an even closer Pakistan-China community with a shared future in the new era.
