Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong on Monday said that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has entered into implementation stage from early planning and this win-win cooperation would help both the countries materialise their dreams.
The envoy made these remarks while addressing a reception held to commemorate the 66th anniversary of the founding of People’s Republic of China. President Mamnoon Hussain graced the reception as chief guest while Planning & Development Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Punjab Governor Rafique Rajwana, PML-Q President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, Senator Hasil Bizenjo, Latif Khosa, ambassadors, officers and other notables from various walks of life also attended.
“President Xi Jinping had said that if two brothers get united, they can even work together to cut through a metal. The two brotherly countries should make joint efforts to further promote China-Pakistan friendship, realize our common dreams, and achieve the goal of the Community of China-Pakistan Shared Destiny at an early date,” he added.
“The CPEC is a long-term ongoing cooperative process requiring unremitting efforts from both sides, and will bring benefits to the people of our two countries and also help promote the regional development,” Ambassador Sun said.
Speaking highly of the great progress made in the development of China over the past 66 years, the envoy stressed that Chinese economy has entered into the new normal and China continue to deepen reforms and expand opening-up.
“China is able and confident to maintain steady and relatively rapid development of its economy,” he added.
“This year is the Year of China-Pakistan Friendly Exchanges. The Chinese Consulate General in Lahore is to be officially inaugurated soon. Direct flight by Air China between Beijing and Islamabad will be launched in the near future. And more facilitation will be offered to the visa application of the Pakistanis who participate in the CPEC projects. These measures will surely promote the interaction between our two peoples, and further deepen our mutual understanding and friendship,” he added.
Later, the chief guest along with others, also cut a cake to mark the National Day of Peoples’ Republic of China. At the reception, the guests were also impressed by the culture performance by the artists from Xinjiang Acrobatic Troupe and picture exhibition of “tempo of China” reflecting the great achievements of the Chinese economy, society and culture.