Premier highlights importance of bilateral cooperation with China in counter-terrorism, broader regional stability
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. SCREENGRAB
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday said that the friendship between Pakistan and China was “time-tested and unbreakable” as the two nations marked the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
Speaking at an event marking the anniversary, the prime minister called China the most steadfast and trusted friend of Pakistan in the world, saying that it was a history of sharing each other’s happiness and grief—a history of supporting each other without political strings or conditions.
“And that is why, from the depths of the seas to the heights of the Himalayas, from power plants and dams that illuminate and energise our nation to the unwavering support extended during moments of hardship,” he said.
He added that he had no doubts this journey would continue, and “I believe that in this time-tested relationship, this partnership is equally strengthened through joint ownership, joint efforts, and joint sincerity of purpose.”
PM Shehbaz further added that he had the privilege of visiting China and that “each time I visit your country, whether it’s Beijing, Guangzhou, or other parts of China, I find new towns, new industries, and millions of Chinese enjoying life through hard work and untiring efforts.”
“And this is the outcome and the result of President Xi Jinping’s vision. Under his able leadership, China has been able to lift around 800 million people out of poverty,” said the prime minister.
The premier added that today, in terms of economic prowess and military power, China was second to none. “The world without China cannot move forward,” he said.
He noted that last year he had announced sending 1,000 Pakistani agriculture graduates, both boys and girls, for modern training in China.
“I’m very grateful to Ambassador Jiang and the Chinese leadership for accepting our request. These great sons and daughters of Pakistan received excellent training in various Chinese universities, and now they have returned to work in research and development centres, committing to the promotion of agriculture in Pakistan,” he said.
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More to follow….
