PM Shehbaz vows to take ties between ‘Iron Brothers’ to new heights

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Saturday reiterated that the iron-clad ties between Pakistan and China would reach to new acme of bilateral cooperation, trust and affinities.

In a message on 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Pakistan and China, the prime minister felicitated Chinese President Xi Jinping, the governments and the people of the two countries.

He said Pakistan and China were brotherly countries. Today has been a day when the two countries established diplomatic ties. The seeds of friendship during the last 70 years had now grown into a strong and fruit-bearing tree, he added.

Since May 21, 1950, the leadership of the two countries had been playing their parts to further strengthen the time-tested ties, he added.

“I want to salute all the leadership of China and Pakistan who have transformed this unprecedented friendship into a cooperative strategic partnership between the Iron Brothers,” the prime minister observed.

Our relationship with China has transformed into an Iron Brotherhood over last 71 years. This comprehensive strategic partnership has stood test of time & emerged as a factor of stability in the region & beyond. My congratulations to the govts & peoples of both countries. 🇵🇰 🇨🇳

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) May 21, 2022

The prime minister said this iron-clad friendship would withstand tests of time, emerging situations, and enemies’ machinations.

He also paid tributes to those who had sacrificed their lives for Pakistan-China friendship.

Referring to Karachi terrorist incident, the prime minister said they saluted the Chinese brothers and sister who laid down their lives and expressed his condolence with the bereaved families.

The prime minister resolved to eliminate the elements involved in such crimes.

About the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the prime minister said it had laid the foundations to efface poverty from the region, foster economic cooperation, and regional connectivity, and bring stability.

The CPEC augured and guaranteed the bright future of the coming generations, he added.

Pakistan-China felicitated on 71st anniversary of diplomatic relations

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Saturday congratulated Pakistan and China on the 71st anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

“Congratulations! May 21 is the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. FM Bilawal will visit China from May 21. #Thisisdoublehappiness,” he tweeted on his official account on Saturday.

Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s two-day visit to China starting from May 21 will also coincide with the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

On May 21, 1951, Pakistan and China established diplomatic ties. Pakistan was one of the first countries to recognize new China and the first Islamic country to enter into diplomatic relations with China.