ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday lauded the “steadfast” Pakistan–China friendship, maintaining that Beijing has supported Islamabad in an “unwavering fashion unmatched in the annals of history”.
The premier was addressing a ceremony in Islamabad to mark the 75th anniversary of Pakistan–China diplomatic relations.
The prime minister began his speech by extending felicitations to the Chinese leadership and people on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan.
“Seventy-five years ago, our founding fathers laid the foundation of our bilateral diplomatic relations,” he said, adding: “Pakistan was the first Muslim country to recognise China and one of the first countries in the world to do so.”
“Through our mutual efforts and endeavours, and above all, sincerity of purpose, we have built a relationship that is second to none and very unique in the world,” he said.
He said that throughout these 75 years, the Chinese leadership and people have stood with Pakistan like a “solid rock”.
“Earthquakes, floods, peace and difficult times — China has always supported Pakistan in an unwavering fashion.”
The premier also reaffirmed that Pakistan has always supported the “One China” policy.
“Till today and forever, we support the One China policy, without fear or favour.”
Shehbaz said that the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), under China’s Belt and Road Initiative of President Xi Jinping, was a “great manifestation” of China’s commitment to support Pakistan, promote its economy, provide jobs, and bring prosperity and development.
Referring to recent efforts to hold peace talks between the United States and Iran, the prime minister said that China had “fully supported” Pakistan’s peace initiative.
“There has been a history of supporting each other without political strings or conditions. China has been a steadfast and trusted friend of Pakistan,” he said, adding that the journey would continue.
He said that in the industrial and technological sectors, China was second to none, emphasising that the “world cannot move forward without China.”
The prime minister also reiterated that the security of Chinese nationals in Pakistan was a matter of “paramount importance” for the government.
“We will spare no effort to provide the highest level of security to Chinese nationals.”
‘Cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy’
In his remarks, President Asif Ali Zardari said, “Seventy-five years ago, our two nations began a journey rooted in mutual respect and shared aspirations. Today, this journey has evolved into an all-weather, unique strategic cooperation.”
“Pakistan and China have stood by each other through various challenges, safeguarding each other’s core interests,” President Zardari said.
He emphasised that friendship with China is a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy, which enjoys “total public, political and institutional support; thus, the relationship enjoys continuity across generations.”
Zardari remarked that President Xi’s initiatives and support for deeper bilateral cooperation had opened new avenues for shared prosperity and regional stability.
President Zardari also thanked the Chinese government for its support in development projects, particularly the Gwadar Port, and termed the CPEC a historic initiative that continues to play a transformative role in Pakistan’s socio-economic progress.
President Asif Ali Zardari, Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gillani, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishq Dar and other leaders were present on the occasion. —
‘Historic task of national rejuvenation’
Meanwhile, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress of China Cai Dafeng, represented the Chinese leadership on the occasion.
“Looking back in history, on May 21, 1951, Pakistan and China formally established diplomatic relations, making Pakistan the first Islamic country to establish diplomatic ties with China,” Dafeng said while addressing the ceremony.
He said that Islamabad and Beijing had together opened a new chapter of mutual “understanding, affinity and integration”.
“For 75 years, we have stayed true to our original aspiration, and that has forged a unique ironclad friendship amid a changing international landscape.”
“Our cooperation carries the amity of our people and demonstrates the true essence of being good neighbours, good friends, good partners, and good brothers,” he said.
He also recalled the Chinese president’s visit to Pakistan in 2015, adding that it had elevated bilateral relations between Pakistan and China to an all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and drawn a blueprint for cooperation between the two countries.
In 2018, he added that the two countries had agreed to build an even closer community with a shared future for a new era.
“At present, both China and Pakistan shoulder the historic task of national rejuvenation. We are both committed to the dream of building prosperous countries.”
Dafeng said that as changes were unfolding like never before, there was a greater need than ever to work closely together.
“China-Pakistan relations are characterised by a high degree of political mutual trust.
“China also firmly supports Pakistan in safeguarding its national independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national dignity,” he said.
He reaffirmed that China is ready to work with Pakistan to strengthen strategic communication and maintain high-level exchanges, providing timely guidance for the development of bilateral relations.
Dafeng added that China stood ready to work with Pakistan to build CPEC 2.0.
“China stands ready to strengthen cooperation in agriculture, mining and industry, and to expand collaboration further into areas such as IT, digital technology, science and technology, the oceans, green development, and climate change.”
He also supported Pakistan’s efforts to combat terrorism, expressing hope that Pakistan would continue to take strong and effective measures.
