“Bonds between the two countries are rooted in the will of the people,” he said while addressing a seminar on “Pakistan-China Iron Brothers”, organised by his ministry as part of the celebrations of the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Chinese President Xi Jinping had described the two countries as “iron brothers” when he addressed a joint sitting of the parliament in Islamabad last year.
“It is a relationship we can be rightfully proud of”, the minister said.
He said that there existed unanimity among the people of Pakistan irrespective of their political affiliation on ties with China.
The minister said the relations between the two countries had gone from strength to strength despite changes in internal and external circumstances.
This friendship is beneficial not only to the people of the two countries but the entire region and the world, he said.
Rashid described China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a proponent of peace and regional prosperity.
The construction of ports and road infrastructure in the region will bring the people closer to each other, adding besides development of Gwadar, Pakistan also welcomes the establishment of other ports in the region.
Minister for Planning, Development Ahsan Iqbal said both the countries had transformed their geo-strategic relations into geo-economic ties, highlighting the significance of the corridor and history of economic ties between the two countries.
“The past dictatorial regime threw the nation into others’ wars, paralysed the country’s economy and introduced culture of drugs and guns in the society.” However, the present government broke the status quo and started a new chapter of relations by signing the CPEC framework for the economic uplift of the country, he added. He said China achieved economic development through political stability, social harmony and solidarity, right economic policies and reforms.
We should follow the Chinese model of development in the country, he added. Speaking on the occasion, Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong said, Pak-China relations had stood the test of time and set an example for other nations.
He said the depth of ties between the two countries could be expressed in three words: sincerity, affection and justice.
Pakistan and China enjoyed close collaboration on major regional and international issues.
“At present China-Pakistan relations are an all weather strategic partnership,” the ambassador commented.
He said, both the countries always regarded each other equal partner and respected independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Aizaz Chaudhry spoke about the history of relations between the peoples of the two states dating back to the 5th century. He urged the media to play a vital role in strengthening the friendship between the two countries.
He said, China always stood by Pakistan in the time of need, adding, during the last three years, these relations had touched new heights.
Director-General of the Institute of Strategic Studies, Masood Khan shared his experiences when he was Pakistan’s ambassador in Beijing and warm hospitality with the audience.
Khan said that in ‘70s when it was considered impossible to construct KKH, Pakistan and China made it possible. Khan recalled 810 Pakistanis and 200 Chinese workers died in the construction of the road. He said that China was Pakistan’s most-trusted ally during the wars of 1965 and 1971 as well as at times of disasters.
Expressing satisfaction over existing $18.9 billion trade volume between the two countries, he said, it should be increased to $100 billion by the year 2025.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 25th, 2016.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ