Chinese Ambassador highlights 73 years of China-Pakistan diplomatic relations at "Friendship Forever" event

Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong emphasized the significance of the 73rd anniversary of China-Pakistan diplomatic relations during his speech at the "Friendship Forever" event held at the Pakistan-China Friendship Center. The event celebrated the enduring and evolving ties between the two nations.

“On behalf of the Chinese Embassy, I would like to extend my warm congratulations and my sincere gratitude to friends from all walks of life who have long been committed to China-Pakistan friendship!” Ambassador Jiang stated.

Ambassador Jiang noted President Xi Jinping's metaphor of the China-Pakistan friendship as a thriving tree with deep roots and luxuriant leaves. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1951, the relationship has grown into an all-weather strategic cooperative partnership. He highlighted symbolic moments such as the planting of the Chinese tallow tree by Premier Zhou Enlai in Shakarparian Park in 1964 and the planting of pine trees by President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif at the Prime Minister House in 2015. These acts symbolize the nurturing of the relationship by leaders from both countries.

Over the past 73 years, leaders of China and Pakistan have frequently visited each other, guiding the development of bilateral relations. In 2015, President Xi Jinping's historic state visit to Pakistan elevated the relationship to an all-weather strategic cooperative partnership, aiming to build an even closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future. This visit laid the foundation for the development of China-Pakistan relations.

Ambassador Jiang highlighted recent diplomatic interactions, including President Xi Jinping's congratulatory letters to President Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz following Pakistan's general election, and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Dar’s recent official visit to China. These interactions underscore the importance both sides attach to their relationship. Under the strategic guidance of their leaders, the iron-clad friendship between China and Pakistan has become as solid as a rock.

Pragmatic cooperation has transformed the all-weather friendship into a driving force for building a community with a shared future. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has become a prominent platform for cooperation, bringing substantial investments and development to Pakistan. CPEC projects have generated $25.4 billion in direct investment, created 236,000 jobs, and significantly enhanced Pakistan's infrastructure and energy capacity.

The ambassador also praised the enduring bond between the peoples of China and Pakistan, forged through shared challenges and mutual support. He recounted instances of solidarity, such as Pakistan's support during China's Wenchuan earthquake in 2008 and China's aid during Pakistan's "flood of the century" in 2022. These acts of support highlight the deep-rooted friendship between the two nations.

Ambassador Jiang emphasized the significance of this year for both countries. As China marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and advances its 14th Five-Year Plan, and as Pakistan's new government takes significant steps in governance and national development, both nations are poised to deepen their cooperation. Ambassador Jiang reiterated China's commitment to supporting Pakistan and promoting high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, aiming to create new opportunities for world development and benefit both countries.

Ambassador Jiang reaffirmed the mutual support of core interests between China and Pakistan, particularly highlighting the recent joint press release from the China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue. He also addressed the situation in the Taiwan Strait, reiterating China's firm stance against separatism and foreign interference.