FRIDAY MAY 24: Economic, social development: Pakistan faces arduous task, says Li

ISLAMABAD: Despite facing numerous challenges, Pakistan has made tremendous progress and its integrity‚ independence and sovereignty is very dear to China, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said on Thursday. Addressing a special session of the Senate, Premier Keqiang vowed that his government will support Pakistan no matter what changes take place at international level, adding that Pakistan enjoys immense significance at both regional and international level.
He also appreciated Pakistan's strong role in the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation (OIC). The Chinese premier reaffirmed the strong friendship between Pakistan and China, and said that he was impressed by the hospitality of Pakistani people during his visit.
Pakistan's role after the earthquake in China could not be forgotten, he declared, adding and pledged to help Pakistan in every possible way. He also stressed the need that both the neighbouring should take greater advantage of free trade agreements. Keqiang appreciated Pakistan's role for bringing peace and stability not only at the region but also in the world.
A large number of diplomats, politicians, Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Governor Gilgit-Baltistan, caretaker chief minister Balochistan, chief minister of Gilgit-Balitsan, President of Azad Kashmir, Speaker of the National Assembly Fehmida Mirza, Speaker of Punjab Assembly Rana Muhammad Iqbal, Speaker of Sindh Assembly Nisar Khuhro and Speaker of Gilgit-Balitsan Assembly Wazir Baig also attended the session.
In his speech, the Chinese premier said that his country would continue to support Pakistan and promote bilateral relations in all fields in future. Pakistan is a great country and a time-tested friend of China, he added, the deep rooted relations between the two countries will be strengthened in the time to come.
The development of China cannot be separated from the friendship with Pakistan, he maintained and stressed the need to expand co-operation in various fields between the two countries and giving a boost to strategic, economic and trade ties. "Pakistan and China should further enhance the strategic partnership and co-operation," he maintained. He said his country will help Pakistan maintain its sovereignty and defeat terrorism, adding that relations between the two countries have flourished regardless of any change at the international level and both the countries have similar views on almost all regional and international issues.
He said that Pakistan was an important player in Asian and international affairs which has always persuaded the policy of dialogue to resolve the issues. "The hearts of both Pakistanis and Chinese people beat together and their destiny is the same," he said. He reiterated that the relations and friendship between the two countries is moving forward and being all weather friends we want to open new chapter of friendship and co-operation with Pakistan. "We are truly proud to be such devoted friends," he declared. "Our friendship is based on the shared valued, he added, we are good neighbours, good friends, good partners and good brothers."
"The people of China value and respect the hardworking and courageous Pakistani nation and they faced bravely various national disasters," he maintained. He expressed hope that the journey of socio-economic development in Pakistan will continue and China will fully support Pakistan to achieve the goal of socio-economic development. He underlined the need for adopting a positive approach for ensuring development of South Asia, saying that Pakistan has significant influence in the Saarc countries. He also mentioned that around 140 Chinese workers had lost their lives while constructing Karakoram Highway (KKH), adding that China is ready to upgrade the highway to expand economic ties with Pakistan.
The Chinese prime minister mentioned that the growing cultural ties between the two countries and appreciated Pakistani students' interest to learn the Chinese language. The premier said that he would continue the efforts to promote Chinese language in Pakistan and will send 1000 teachers to teach its languages to Pakistani students. He said his country will also extend scholarships to Pakistani students for higher studies.
Chairman Senate Nayyer Hussain Bokhari in his welcome address praised China for its commitment to protect Pakistan's sovereignty and integrity like a true friend. The friendship with China is a major cornerstone of our foreign policy, he said, and called for further enhancing parliamentary co-operation between the two countries to bring their people more closer.
On behalf of the senators, Senator Aitzaz Ahsan expressed gratitude to the Chinese prime minister for addressing the Senate and hoped his visit to Pakistan will give new impetus to the relations between the two countries. In his vote of thanks‚ Senator Raja Zafarul Haq said the Pakistani nation‚ parliament and the government highly regarded the Pakistan-China friendship and said efforts must be made to safeguard it through increased co-operation on all levels.
dpa adds: Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang said China would never leave its neighbour in its hour of difficulty. "We are friends based on shared values. I believe it (our friendship) will not only last a lifetime but will also be handed down from generation to generation. It will be an eternal friendship," said Li to loud applause from senators. He also offered co-operation in investment, infrastructure and energy projects.
"We will work with Pakistan to launch major projects of co-operation, enhance financial and investment co-operation and focus our efforts on infrastructure development, connectivity as well as maritime, energy, agriculture and defence co-operation," he said. "Pakistan faces an arduous task (in) economic and social development. As the closest friend and brother of Pakistan, China will give you every support and assistance. We will do our best. To help you is to help ourselves."