ISLAMABAD: President Mamnoon Hussain on Thursday conferred award of Hilal-i-Pakistan on the outgoing Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong at a special investiture ceremony in recognition of his “meritorious services” to further strengthen Pakistan-China ties.
While talking to Sun Weidong and his wife Madame Bao Jiqing who called on him at the President House on Thursday, President Mamnoon said the ambassador worked tirelessly to enhance the Pakistan-China relations and added that his services will always be remembered.
He said Pakistan and China have witnessed historic expansion and depth in their bilateral relations, especially over the past four years, and hoped this warmth would continue to further grow. He said this period would always be remembered as a golden era of their relations.
The president termed Pakistan and China as iron brothers and said they would always stand by each other. He said the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was initiated during the tenure of Ambassador Sun Weidong and added development work was carried out on a fast track.
Ambassador Sun Weidong described Hilal-i-Pakistan as a great honour for him. He was also appreciative of the contributions of the Minister Ahsan Iqbal in the fast development of CPEC.
Minister for Interior Ahsan Iqbal, Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua and other senior officials were also present.
