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Monday, May 09, 2011
Pak-China friendship anchor of peace, stability: Gilani* PM says relationship between countries unique example of abiding friendship, mutual respect based on immeasurable trust
ISLAMABAD: The friendship between Pakistan and China is an anchor of peace and stability and both countries will further strengthen their relations to promote regional prosperity, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani said on Sunday.
Speaking at an event to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Pak-China diplomatic relations at the Pakistan-China Friendship Centre, he said that a sincere friendship and deep affection marked the relationship between the people of the two countries.
“We are proud to have China as our best and most trusted friend, and China will always find Pakistan standing by its side at all times,” Gilani added.
The prime minister said that the relationship between Pakistan and China was a unique example of abiding friendship, immense mutual respect and close partnership based on immeasurable trust.
“When we speak of this friendship as being taller than the Himalayas and deeper than the oceans it truly captures the essence of our relationship,” he said.
Prime Minister Gilani said that Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao’s visit last year was a demonstration of the unique relationship. “The visit further strengthened the existing cooperation between the two countries.”
He expressed confidence that the relationship between the two countries would strengthen in the days to come.
“President Asif Ali Zardari has visited China six times, and each visit has been beneficial and rewarding in one way or the other,” he said. “I am eagerly looking forward to my forthcoming visit to China later this month. We have and continue to greatly benefit from the support of the Chinese leadership. China’s unique development experience is a model for developing countries like ours to learn from,” Gilani added.
The prime minister said that China’s success in various fields was a matter of great pride for the people and the government of Pakistan. “Today China is the world’s second largest economy. It has achieved this success through hard work, ingenuity, and above all through the wisdom and vision of its leadership,” he said.
Gilani said that Pakistan was fortunate to learn from the experience of a successful friend and a great neighbour. “We are grateful to China for its commitment to share its development experience with us,” he added.
Gilani said successive generations of leaders in Pakistan and China had nurtured the Pak-China relationship with a common vision.
He recalled that Premier Zhou En Lai had once said, “Our relationship began with the advent of mankind”.
“The experience of our friendship in the last 60 years is a proof to this statement. The Silk Route of yester years has been replaced by the Karakoram Highway, which was built with the joint efforts and sacrifices of our people. It stands out as a testimony of our commitment to stand by each other,” Gilani said. app
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk