ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday said that built on mutual trust, sovereign equality, and shared aspirations for peace and development, the relations between Pakistan and China have continued to grow in strength, substance, and strategic significance, amidst changing regional and global circumstances.
The prime minister, in his message on on 75th Anniversary of Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Pakistan and China being observed today, said that the commemoration would enable the two peoples, particularly the younger generations, to better appreciate the depth, breadth, vitality, and future-oriented character of Pakistan-China relations.
“On behalf of the Government of Pakistan, as well as on my own behalf, I extend my heartfelt felicitations to the peoples of Pakistan and China, on the historic occasion of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China,” he said.
He said that the people of Pakistan held the Chinese people in the highest esteem and affection as since the establishment of diplomatic relations on 21 May 1951, the Pakistan-China friendship had steadily evolved into an All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership.
“Pakistan highly values the visionary leadership of Xi Jinping and appreciates China’s remarkable achievements in economic development, technological advancement, poverty alleviation, and global connectivity. Under President Xi’s visionary leadership, China has achieved remarkable progress in modernization, innovation, poverty alleviation, and national rejuvenation,” the prime minister said.
He said that China’s progress and transformation continued to inspire the developing world and contribute significantly to global peace and prosperity.
Prime Minister Shehbaz said that the commitment of the Chinese leadership to strengthen bilateral relations and advance the shared vision of building a closer “Pakistan-China Community of Shared Future in the New Era” was “most commendable.”
He said that Pakistan deeply appreciated China’s cooperation with Pakistan in multifaceted fields and that his country remained firmly committed to the One-China principle and would continue to support China on issues concerning its core interests.
Highlighting the “phenomenal” role played by China’s robust support for Pakistan’s socio-economic development and national priorities, he said that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), as a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative, had made tremendous contribution towards Pakistan’s infrastructure development, energy security, industrial cooperation, and regional connectivity.
“Pakistan remains firmly committed to the high-quality development of CPEC as it enters its next phase, with greater emphasis on industrialization, agriculture, information technology, science and technology, green development, and enhanced people-Centered cooperation.”
He said that Pakistan-China cooperation was expanding into new frontiers including digital economy, innovation, space cooperation, education, and cultural exchanges.
“From the Karakoram Highway to cooperation in outer space, Pakistan-China friendship continues to demonstrate how enduring strategic trust can be translated into meaningful progress and shared prosperity for our peoples.”
The prime minister said that the 75th anniversary of the establishment of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations was not only about remembering the past, it was about shaping the future.
“At a time of increasing global uncertainty and transformation, Pakistan and China remain committed to multilateralism, peaceful coexistence, and inclusive development. Our All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership continues to serve as a positive force for regional stability and international cooperation,” he remarked and wished for enduring bilateral friendship to grow stronger with every generation.
