News
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
‘Sino-Pak friendly ties historical, multi-dimensional’* President Zardari says people of both countries share positive feelings for each other
* China is source of stability for region
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday said that the historical friendship and multi-dimensional relationship enjoyed by Pakistan and China has stood the test of time and remains unparalleled in the contemporary era of inter-state relations.
“Our friendship is rooted in a shared history and cultural heritage and it is the result of the vision of our great leaders, Chairman Mao Zedong, Premier Zhou Enlai and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto,” the president said while addressing China’s National Day reception at the Chinese Embassy in the capital.
The president said, “What truly sets our friendship apart from other bilateral relationships between countries is the depth of positive feeling that exists between our people.”
He said the people of Pakistan and China have stood shoulder to shoulder through difficult times and have stood together through every trial and tribulation.
“They hold the same ideals. These are the ideals of freedom, dignity, and the right of peaceful pursuit of development and prosperity,” he added.
Referring to his several visits to China, the president said that he has personally visited China nine times in the past four years, which has helped deepen strategic cooperation.
“It demonstrates the two countries’ commitment to forging even stronger ties. It also ensures that our friendship is transferred to next generations,” he added. The president said that the two sides celebrated the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic relations last year, adding, “We seized this opportunity to renew our pledge to this extraordinary friendship. We did this by building on existing cooperation in areas of mutual interest and by exploring new avenues for fruitful cooperation.”
President Zardari said that China is a source of stability for the region and for the world, adding, “China has become a beacon of hope for the developing countries. It is a source of inspiration for the people of the third world countries.”
He said the historical rise of China over the past 63 years is a testimony to the wisdom of its leaders. “It is also a testimony to the genius of its people,” he added.
The president said that Pakistan values China’s contributions for the promotion of peace and harmony in Asia and beyond. On behalf of the government, the people of Pakistan and on his own behalf, he congratulated the government and the people of China on the country’s National Day.
Earlier, Chinese Ambassador Liu Jian in his welcome remarks said that the presence of President Zardari at the reception to commemorate the 63rd founding day of the People’s Republic of China signifies the unique and deep-rooted friendship between the two countries.
Ambassador Liu Jian said that the people and the government of China highly value the relationship and friendship with Pakistan. He also extended best wishes to Zardari and wished for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan. Punjab Governor Latif Khosa, federal ministers, members of parliament, political figures, diplomats and senior civil and military officials, among others, attended the reception. app
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk