ISLAMABAD: Senate Chairman Mian Raza Rabbani has said that China’s fast socio-economic development is a source of World’s peace and prosperity, at a reception hosted by the Chinese ambassador on Monday night.
Extending heartiest congratulations to the government and the people of China on their 68th National Day to be commemorated on October 1, he said that Pakistan is proud of China’s friendship, hoping it will keep growing with the passage of time.
The reception was hosted by Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong and his wife Diana Bao on the occasion of the 68th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
It was largely attended by ministers, politicians, senior members of the armed forces, diplomats and the civil society. The national anthems of Pakistan and China were played to celebrate the occasion.
Prominent guests included National Assembly Deputy Speaker Javed Abbasi, Punjab Governor Rafiq Rajwana, KP Governor Zafar Iqbal Jagar, Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) chief Maulana Fazalur Rehman, PPP Senator Sherry Rehman, PPP Senator Rehman Malik, PML-Q Senator Syed Mushahid Hussain and PTI leader Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan.
The ministers who attended the reception included Akram Khan Durrani, Sikandar Hayat Bosan, Abdul Qadir Baluch and Baligur Rehman, besides Adviser to PM on National Security Gen (r) Nasser Janjua.
Addressing the ceremony, Rabbani further said that the two countries enjoyed a common viewpoint on various regional and international issues and that they were moving ahead jointly on the road to progress and prosperity. He also spoke highly of China’s growing partnership with Pakistan and praised China for its contribution to the development of Pakistan’s domestic and global economy.
Ambassador Sun Weidong, in his address, reassured China’s firm support for Pakistan’s solidarity and independence, and its active participation in Pakistan’s socio-economic development.
He also said that the participation of all the politicians gathered on the occasion, was a true reflection of the fact that China-Pakistan friendship is a cross-board consensus from all walks of life in Pakistan.
“We believe that there should be a global partnership with dialogue over confrontation, partnership over alliance. We are committed to promoting the “Belt and Road” Initiative,” he said.
The Chinese ambassador went on to say that a prosperous and strong China will make greater contributions to world peace and development. “We would like to share with the world our development opportunities,” he said.
About the Sino-Pak relationship, he said that China and Pakistan have always been good neighbours, friends, partners and brothers. Their cooperation developed vigorously in the fields of trade and investment, culture, science and technology, education, defence and security. The two countries maintained close coordination in major international and regional affairs.
He concluded by saying that fighting against terrorism is a strategic decision of Pakistan and that the efforts and national sacrifices made by Pakistan to curb terrorism should be fully understood and acknowledged by the international community.
“We will, as always, support Pakistan’s efforts in safeguarding its national sovereignty and security,” he added.
