Goodwill messages: ‘China wants Pak-US relationship to improve’

Chinese ambassador addresses students at Hajvery University.

LAHORE:

“With Pakistan engaged in the war against terrorism, the country is in the eye of the storm,” Liu Jian, the Chinese ambassador to Pakistan said, while addressing students at the inauguration of a new auditorium at Hajvery University on Tuesday.

Focusing on the losses suffered during the recent natural disasters that hit the country, Jian said, there was no doubt that Pakistan was facing troubling times. However, despite this Pakistan had always shown unique resolve, he added. The ambassador said that China wanted the relationship between Pakistan and America to improve.

Commenting on the upcoming TEDx talks titled How I Dream of Pakistan, scheduled to be held at the university, Jian said that Pakistan held a very special place in his heart. However, he added, it was difficult for a foreign ambassador to speak on how he dreamt of the host country.

He said, “How I dream of Pakistan depends on how the youth of the country plans to take it forward,” adding that he wished to see a strong and prosperous Pakistan.

“The past 19 months of my ambassadorship in Pakistan have seen growing friendship between the two countries,” he said. He said Pakistan was a trustworthy friend.

Ambassador Jian said that China had always given high priority to economic development, with the past decade reflecting a 10.5 per cent growth in its economy. With social services thriving in the country, the ambassador said, “China has always committed itself to all round progress.”

He termed social harmony and stability as pre-requisites for the development of any society. With a population of 1.3 billion and more than 50 different ethnic groups, he said China was committed to carrying on with its peaceful development. With 2011 marking 60 years of establishment of diplomatic ties between Pakistan and China, Jian said, both countries looked forward to long lasting friendship with each other. He said both countries were working on strengthening their strategic partnership. Answering a query, ambassador Jian said there should be greater co-operation between Pakistani and Chinese universities. “We need to broaden our horizons and extend our cooperation in the field of education,” he said. Later, the ambassador made a donation to the university, saying he hoped it would reflect China’s interest in the progress of Pakistani youth. “Because of its geo-strategic position, Pakistan has been declared the fulcrum of Asia.”

He said the students were the future leaders and needed to be far-sighted. “Very soon the youth will have to take the lead in running the country - for which it must be prepared.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 25^th, 2012.