PM felicitates Xi Jinping on Pak-China diplomatic ties 71st anniversary

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated on Saturday Chinese President Xi Jinping, the governments and peoples of the two countries on the 71st anniversary of the establishment of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations.

"China and Pakistan are the names of two brothers," PM Shehbaz said in a message on the occasion. "The leadership and peoples of the two countries have nurtured this evergreen tree of friendship over the past 71 years."

The premier also paid rich tributes to the leaders of both the countries, who made efforts to transform this unmatched friendship into a cooperative strategic partnership and an iron bond.

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"No untoward incident, storm in global politics or jealousy could make any dent to this iron bond," he said. "Our Chinese brothers and sisters were recently attacked outside Karachi University. We salute theem and all others who sacrificed their lives for Pak-China friendship, and express grief and sorrow with their families."

The prime minister expressed his commitment to bringing the culprits of the incident to justice.

Regarding the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the premier said that it provided a strong foundation for economic cooperation, poverty alleviation and connectivity not only for the two countries but for other countries of the region as well. This project is a symbol and guarantee of a bright future for the next generations.

The PM further expressed the resolve to take this economic bond, cooperation and mutual trust of the two iron brothers to new heights.