The media can play an extraordinary role in further strengthening the Pakistan-China friendship and people to people contacts, Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad told a Chinese media delegation on Tuesday.
The delegation, headed by China Radio International Vice-President Wang Dongmei, arrived on Monday night from Beijing and was calling on the governor at the Governor’s House.
Provincial Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, Electric Power Minister Shazia Marri and Information Secretary Mumtaz Ali Shah were also present on the occasion.
Welcoming the delegation on behalf of the government and the people of Sindh, the governor said that the visit has come at a very important juncture when 2011 is being marked as the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic ties between Pakistan and China.
He said that over the decades, the Pakistan-China friendship has kept going from strength to strength.
The governor pointed out Pakistan-China cooperation in the fields of defence, trade, industry and agriculture.
“Our two countries share common views on regional and international issues,” he added.
Dr Ebad said that the people of Pakistan are moderate and peaceful but the country suffers from a bad image which needs to be rectified.
He said that media should come forward and help remove misperceptions.
The governor praised the rapid economic progress China had attained over the years.
He said that there existed a lot of potential of cooperation between Pakistan and China in various fields and that people here would like to benefit from the Chinese experiences and expertise for value addition in agriculture and other sectors.
Dr Ebad also thanked the Chinese for their assistance in rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts following last year’s devastating floods.
He also highlighted the role being played by Pakistan as a frontline state in the war against terror.
Speaking on the occasion, the leader of the delegation, Wang Dongmei said that it is great that their visit starts from Karachi, the capital of Sindh.
“The visit is on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between our two countries,” she said.
Wang was of the view that the visit would lead to strengthening communication as well as people-to-people contacts and contribute towards further cementing ties between China and Pakistan.
Shazia Marri said that China has a very special place in the hearts of the people of Pakistan.
“Our friendship is a symbol of love, peace and understanding,” she added.
