Premier Wen Jiabao and Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Saturday had an extensive interaction with the Pakistani and Chinese citizens who contributed in forging friendship between the two countries, here at the newly inaugurated Pak-China Friendship Centre.
Premier Wen and Prime Minister Gilani who jointly inaugurated the Rs 3 billion centre met the diplomats and individuals, who played an important role in deepening relations between the two countries.
The Pakistanis including former ambassador to China Akram Zaki, former Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Zhang Chunxiang, custodian of the graveyard of those Chinese who died during the construction of the Karakuram Highway Manzoor Hussain, Police Constable Muhammad Hasan Rind, who worked along with Chinese Search and Rescue Team in Thatha District following the devastated floods in Pakistan, a member of Chinese Search and Rescue Team presented their views and experiences in Sino-Pak friendship.
Premier Wen Jiabao speaking on the occasion said Pak-China friendship was like a sea that never drains and would last forever. He termed the Karakuram Highway a symbol of their deep friendship and added it has strengthened further with the great stories of courage and valour.
He paid rich tributes to the people who sacrificed their lives and played key roles in construction of the world's most difficult road through the mighty Karakuram. Wen said Chinese rescue team, which helped in Pakistan after the recent flash floods had left memorable stories. He said Chinese international rescue team, is excellent team and pursued international humanitarian spirit. He said, "I am deeply moved by the stories of the team."
He said the team had come to Pakistan on different occasions to help Pakistani brothers in difficult times. The Chinese Premier also thanked the Pakistani Police officials for saving Chinese workers, who were stranded in Kohistan area at a project. Gilani in his opening remarks said the China-Pakistan relations were special and the "time tested and all-weather" friendship has been proven time and again. "Our friendship is rooted in popular ethos and based on complete trust and mutual understanding," he said.
The Prime Minister said that Pak-China friendship is priceless and it will remain intact forever. "We value every drop of water in the ocean of China-Pakistan friendship. Each drop has added to the depth and richness of this relationship," PM said.
"I salute you all who have contributed-through personal commitment and endeavour-to building this friendship which is stronger than the Great Wall of China and higher than the K-2 Mountain." Gilani also expressed his gratitude to the Chinese government for establishing the Centre that was a gift to the people of Pakistan.
"I salute Chinese engineers and workers who worked day and night to complete the project much before time." "On behalf of the people of Pakistan, I thank the people of China for this wonderful gift," he said. Gilani said Chinese and Pakistani artists, artisans and friends would continue to meet here to reinforce the closeness between the two peoples and discover new ways of strengthening the bonds of friendship. Gilani thanked the Chinese for the assistance in the flood-affected areas in Pakistan.
Appreciating Chinese Rescue Team's contribution in the flood affected areas, he said, they were best in the world. He said Chinese brothers helped in rescue and reconstruction in the flood hit areas. The Prime Minister while appreciating the help of Police, Army, Navy and Air Force for their contribution in helping the Chinese workers in their evacuation following the recent floods in the Northern areas. He assured that those who helped their Chinese brothers will be awarded medals for their contribution.
Akram Zaki in his remarks spoke of his contribution in building the Pak-China friendship. Chinese Premier said, "as a diplomat you played the role of a bridge to consolidate the friendship between the two countries." Prime Minister Gilani said Pakistan only sends its best diplomats to China who played an active role and serve as a bridge to strengthen ties between the two countries.
Former Chinese Envoy to Pakistan Zhang Chunxiang, who served as diplomat for 23 years, expressing his experiences said that he found very deep affection and love in the hearts and minds of the people of Pakistan for the people of China. Zhang, came to Pakistan in 1970 to learn Urdu, also narrated different memorable incidents and events during his diplomatic career in Pakistan that strengthened Sino-Pak friendship.
He especially highlighted the contribution of his Pakistani Urdu teacher who made sincere efforts to teach Urdu to Chinese students. Later, two Pakistanis Rabia Hassan and Junaid presented a poem in English and Chinese language to highlight Pak-China friendship and its impact among the people of Pakistan.