Mohsin Naqvi makes history by inaugurating Nintia Int’l Friends Cities Forum in China

A matter of great honour for Pakistan as Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Syed Mohsin Naqvi on Wednesday became the first Pakistani chief minister to have inaugurated Third Nintia International Friends Cities Forum in the Chinese province of Nintia, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

A warm applause was given to the chief minister on arrival at the hall.    

Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister said that it was the government of Pakistan’s resolve to ensure peace, stability and prosperity in the region.

He was of the view that close relations between Pakistan and China were imperative if these goals were to be achieved.

The CM further said that both the countries were all-weather friends and strategic partners.

He expressed the hope that ties between the two countries would continue to improve with the passage of time. “Both Pakistan and China have been cooperating with each other in various fields for the last 70 years,” he said, adding, “The countries have proved that mutual understanding is necessary for the strengthening of relations.”

CM Naqvi said that 10 years of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and belt and road initiative would be completed this year.

The chief minister stressed the need for making collective efforts for the completion of work on special economic zones and rapid development of the Gwadar Port.

He said it was a matter of great honour and prestige for him to attend the Forum and address the gathering. “I am thankful to the Communist Party and the Chinese people for organizing the event since it has given us an opportunity to sit together and benefit from each other’s expertise.” he said, adding, “In the past, several Chinese had travelled to India and observed the Gandhara and Indus Valley civilizations.”

The CM said it was a good sign that there had been a continuous exchange of delegations and cultural troupes between the cities and provinces of the two countries for the last seven decades, which had kept ties between the two countries intact.

The chief minister went on to say that China was Pakistan’s largest trade partner. “And trade between the two countries has grown considerably over the past few years,” he informed.    

 

Reporter: Durre Nayab