Notables including the Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal and Chinese ambassador Sun Weidong paid glowing tributes to the founders and architects of Sino-Pak evergreen friendship that has brought incredible benefits to the people of the two countries.
Speaking at the launching ceremony of a rare book ‘You and Us’ compiled by ex-Chinese ambassador to Pakistan Lu Shulin on Wednesday, recalled the pain-taking efforts of elders including ex-diplomats that have turned the friendship into most solid and unique one and has put it on strong footing.
The book unfolds in-depth and historical perspective of the two countries’ relationship that rooted in the hearts of their people. The book contains stories written by veteran diplomats and celebrities who have long been engaged in friendship and exchanges between the two countries.
The speakers termed the book as ‘Labour of love on the part of Chinese diplomat. It carries memories of those leaders and diplomats who played their leading role in developing the friendship as an iron-brotherhood.
They also referred to the China-Pakistan economic corridor, which they said, is also outcome of decades’ old struggle of their elders.
A delegation of former Chinese ambassadors to Pakistan also attended the book-launching ceremony that was arranged by the Chinese embassy in collaboration with Pakistan Institute of Peace Studies.
Those who also praised high Lu Shulin for compiling book included Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed, Institute’s Director Amir Rana, former foreign secretary Inamul Haq, ex-Chinese ambassador Zhou Gong and foreign affairs’ expert Dr. Riffat Hussain.
Appreciating the book, Ahsan Iqbal said it is most fascinating one, which covers various aspects of friendship narrating personal experiences. He hoped CPEC would further cement their relationship for their mutual benefit.
This mega project has translated their relationship in the community of shared destiny. Now, the two countries are moving towards geo-economic partnership to improve the living conditions of their people, he added.
Ambassador Sun Weidong in his remarks said that stories contained in the book reflects the true feelings of the friendship and illuminates the future of their growing strategic partnership. He said he deeply sensed how the friendship between the two countries has been rooted in the hearts of the two peoples and flows in their veins, becoming a precious spiritual treasure of most people.
The Sino-Pak friendship, he said has won universal praise and enjoys popular public support from both sides. He said the book is gift of the year, which he hoped would enhance mutual understanding and cooperation at people-to-people level.
Sun Weidong referred to CPEC and said he was looking a promising future of their relationship. He praised the role of youth who he said equally cherish it, showing immense zeal and warmness in its further development.