Remarks by Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong at the Reception Celebrating the 65th Anniversary of China-Pakistan Diplomatic Relations

Your Excellency President Mamnoon Hussain

Hon. Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister of Planning, Development & Reform,

Hon. Muhammad Khan Achakzai, Governor Balochistan,

Your Excellencies, generals, distinguished guests,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Aslam Alegum!

Tonight, we get together to celebrate the 65^th anniversary of China-Pakistan diplomatic relations, which is a moment of significance in the history of China-Pakistan relations. I’d like to extend my warmest welcome to President Mamnoon Hussain and other distinguished guests for gracing this Reception. I also want to thank people from all walks of life for their long-term efforts to promote the China-Pakistan friendship.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The friendship between our two peoples has a long and enduring history. The late Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai once said that “the peoples of China and Pakistan have been good neighbors and friends since the dawn of history”. In 1930s, the famous Pakistani poet Mr. Iqbal recited that “Himalaya ke Chashme Ubalne Lage, Gira’n khwab Cheeni Sabhalne lage”(the Himalayan springs have begun spurting and the Chinese have begun to wake up from deep slumber). This poem successfully predicted the rise of Asia and the rejuvenation of China.

In May 1951, China and Pakistan formally established diplomatic relations, which ushered in a new chapter of relations between our two countries. Since then, we have always joined hands and made great strides in safeguarding national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, promoting economic and social development, improving people’s well-being, upholding international fairness and justice as well as maintaining world peace. China-Pakistan relations have transcended the bilateral boundary and enjoyed ever increasing global and regional significance.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The cornerstones of China-Pakistan relations are equality, sincerity, mutual benefits, mutual assistance, people-orientation and shared prosperity. Bilateral cooperation in the fields of politics, economy, culture, security, people-to-people exchanges as well as international and regional affairs constitute the pillars of the all-round cooperation between our two countries. China-Pakistan relations have become the model for the state-to-state relations of different civilizations and social systems. The history of China-Pakistan relations is the excellent practice of promoting the development of international relations with the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence as the guidance.

The uniqueness of China-Pakistan friendship also lies in the fact that we always share weal and woe and extend support to each other. On the issues concerning our respective major concerns or core interests, we always render understanding and support to each other. When one of us is faced with difficulties, the other always extends helping hand.

Such profound friendship has been deeply rooted in the hearts of our two peoples and becomes shared treasure of us. This is why China-Pakistan friendship can withstand the test of time and becomes even stronger as times goes by.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Under the new historical circumstances, our substantive cooperation has brought fresh vitality into China-Pakistan relations and our solid political relationship is being transformed into close mutually-beneficial cooperation.

 Last year, President Xi Jinping made a successful state visit to Pakistan. During the visit, the leaders of both countries reached a series of important consensus on bilateral relations and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. The visit ushered in the golden era of China-Pakistan relations.

With our joint efforts, a series of major cooperation projects are being turned from design into reality. This year is the year of implementation of the consensus by our leaders. I am convinced that the increasingly deepened substantive cooperation will surely deliver benefits to our two peoples and promote the regional development and prosperity.

The Chinese government always takes China-Pakistan relations as the priority of its own diplomacy. On the path towards furthering national prosperity and people’s well-being, China and Pakistan will always join hands with resolve and build together the China-Pakistan Community of Shared Destiny.

The torrential Yangtze River and Indus River have witnessed the history of friendship between our two peoples. In the future, China-Pakistan friendship will continue to surge ahead irresistibly and ceaselessly, like the ever-flowing great Yangtze River and Indus River.

Long live China-Pakistan friendship between our nations and our peoples!

Thank you.