Shared destiny: China to maintain steady growth: envoy

Ambassador says China Air to start direct Beijing-Islamabad flights soon

ISLAMABAD:

China continues to deepen reforms and expand opening-up policy. This was stated by Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong on Monday while addressing a reception held to celebrate the 66th anniversary of founding day of People’s Republic of China.

“China is confident to maintain steady growth and rapid development,” the ambassador said while speaking about the strides and progress made by his country during the past 66 years.

During president Xi Jinping’s visit to Pakistan in April this year, both sides agreed to increase bilateral relations for all-weather strategic cooperative partnership, Weidong said.

“China and Pakistan relations have entered a new stage of grand and vigorous development,” he added.



“China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has entered implementation stage from early planning. It is a long-term ongoing cooperative process requiring unremitting efforts from both sides, and will benefit peoples of the two countries and also help promote regional development,” he added.

The ambassador said, 2015 is the year of China-Pakistan friendly exchanges. The Chinese consulate general in Lahore is to be officially inaugurated soon. Direct flight by Air China between Beijing and Islamabad will be launched in near future and more facilitation will be offered for visa applications of Pakistanis participating in CPEC projects.

“These measures will surely promote interaction between our two peoples, and further deepen our mutual understanding and friendship.”

He quoted president Xi as saying that if two brothers get united, they can cut through a metal. Weidong said the two countries should make joint efforts to promote friendship, realise common dreams, and achieve goal of shared destiny at an early date.

President Mamnoon Hussain was the chief guest. A large number of people from different walks of life attended the reception.

Guests were also impressed by cultural performance by artists from Xinjiang Acrobatic Troupe and picture exhibition of ‘Tempo of China’ reflecting great achievements of Chinese economy, society and culture.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 30^th, 2015.