As the nation prepares to welcome our close friend and trusted neighbour from across the mighty Himalayas, Karakorum and Hindu Kush mountain ranges, let me affirm that ever since the two countries established their diplomatic relations in 1951, Pakistan-China bilateral relations have been unwavering, vibrant and impervious to internal political changes in either country, or variations in external environment.
China has been a pillar of strength to us during our most difficult times. A true friend, China has always been forthcoming and generous in supporting Pakistan, bilaterally, regionally and in international forums.
Pakistan too, has been a source of crucial diplomatic support to China, serving as a bridge for her to open up to the West. Pakistan also played a key role in helping China regain its permanent seat at the UN Security Council and in facilitating China's rapprochement with the United States.
It is therefore, but natural that relations with China should represent the fulcrum of Pakistan's foreign policy that has successfully emerged as a model of good neighbourly relations for others to emulate.
President Xi Jinping's choice of Pakistan as the destination of his first official visit in 2015, underscores the importance that China attaches to Pakistan and reflects my own decision to choose China as my first official visit, weeks after assuming office in 2013.
President Xi Jinping has inspired not only the people of China, but also the developing world, with his visionary enunciation of the "Chinese Dream of National Rejuvenation". We share this vision of peace and prosperity for the region and welcome his emphasis on engaging with China's neighbouring countries in a spirit of win-win co-operation. This is why we are fully supportive of the Chinese President's concept of the "New Asian Security."
Through the decades, as our friendship has grown from strength to strength, we have endeavoured to include economic dynamism in it and further fortify our strategic partnership. The transition of bilateral ties from a traditional mould to the one that is consistent with the demands of the modern world has been remarkable. On the occasion of President Xi Jinping's visit, we would be looking forward to upgrading our exemplary relationship into an "All-Weather Strategic Partnership".
Pakistan is a naturally endowed country. Its geo-strategic location connecting three main sub-regions of Asia provides it with a unique advantage. The landmark "China-Pakistan Economic Corridor" (CPEC) project, is not only a game-changer, but as eloquently described by Premier Li Keqiang "a new fruit" in our "all-weather friendship". It will lead to the realisation of the potential offered by our geo-strategic location at the heart of Asia. The project will also transform the ports of Pakistan into nodal points for adjacent regions and revolutionise commercial relations between China and Pakistan, as well as between these two countries and West and Central Asia. With several energy and industrial parks projects, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor will usher in an era of unprecedented opportunities for progress, growth and expansion of the entire region.
It also dovetails into President Xi Jinping's larger vision for a trans-Eurasian "Silk Road Economic Belt" and the "21st Century Maritime Silk Road". spanning from the Yellow River and East China Sea in Asia to the Baltic Sea in Europe. Thus, the common people of both our countries will be able to share the benefits of the "Chinese Dream". The President's vision also revives memories of fabled ancient trading routes, that enabled eminent Chinese scholars such as Fa Hsien and Hsuan Tsang, to spend time in the neighbouring city of Taxila, the cradle of the glorious Gandhara civilisation and carry back with them fascinating accounts of this land.
Pakistan and China share a common strategic and political vision. Unanimity of their views on all issues of common interest has been the enabling instrument for securing regional as well as international peace and security. Pakistan adheres firmly to the "One-China Policy" and our support for this remains unequivocal and unchanging. We consider the People's Republic of China as the only legitimate representative of the great Chinese people.
We are grateful to China for its support and assistance in our efforts to eradicate the menace of terrorism. We have a common vision of lasting peace in Afghanistan, the Middle East and South Asia, and will continue to work relentlessly to achieve this goal for the good of our peoples. Both countries are firm in their belief that a secure and stable Afghanistan is necessary to ensure stability in the entire region. Pakistan values and appreciates China's positive role in bringing durable peace to Afghanistan.
Pakistan-China defence co-operation is based on shared evaluation of regional and international security environment. This co-operation has "an over-arching strategic dimension", that guarantees long term peace and security in the region.
The stability and economic prosperity of Asia, stretching from the plains of the Caucasus to the shores of the Arabian Sea and the Pacific, is largely dependent on our strong and vibrant ties with China. Our track record clearly shows that the two countries are a source of strength to each other. The Chinese Premier during his visit to Pakistan in 2013, identified an unbreakable bond between the two countries in an enlightening observation, when he said, "If you love China, you love Pakistan too". A most powerful affirmation of the fact that not merely are our interests mutual; our hearts and minds are also one.
Truly, the mighty mountain peaks and the majestic rivers have forged a unique all-weather, time-tested strategic co-operative partnership.
Long live Pakistan-China Friendship.
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