Premier highlights importance of bilateral cooperation with China in counter-terrorism, broader regional stability
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. SCREEN GRAB
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Thursday that the friendship between Pakistan and China was “time-tested and unbreakable” as the two nations marked the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
Speaking at an event to mark the anniversary, the Prime Minister called China the most steadfast and trusted friend of Pakistan in the world and said it was a story of sharing each other’s happiness and sorrow – a story of supporting each other without political terms or conditions.
“And that’s why, from the depths of the ocean to the heights of the Himalayas, from the power plants and dams that light and energize our nation, to the unwavering support extended in moments of hardship,” he said.
He added that he had no doubt that this journey would continue and “I believe that in this proven relationship, this partnership is equally strengthened through shared ownership, shared effort and shared sincerity of purpose.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz further added that he had the privilege of visiting China and that “every time I visit your country, be it Beijing, Guangzhou or other parts of China, I find new cities, new industries and millions of Chinese enjoying life through hard work and tireless efforts.”
“And this is the outcome and result of President Xi Jinping’s vision. Under his able leadership, China has been able to lift about 800 million people out of poverty,” the premier said.
The Prime Minister added that China today, in terms of economic prowess and military power, was second to none. “The world without China cannot move forward,” he said.
He noted that last year he had announced to send 1,000 Pakistani agricultural graduates, both boys and girls, for modern training in China.
“I am very grateful to Ambassador Jiang and the Chinese leadership for accepting our request. These great sons and daughters of Pakistan received excellent training in various Chinese universities and now they have returned to work in research and development centers and are committed to promoting agriculture in Pakistan,” he said.
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More to follow….
