President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday said the historical friendship and multi-dimensional relationship enjoyed by Pakistan and China has stood the test of time and was without parallel in the contemporary era of inter-state relations.
"Our friendship is rooted in a shared history and cultural heritage. It is the result of the vision of our great leaders, Chairman Mao Zedong, Premier Zhou Enlai and Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto," the President said while addressing China's national day reception here at the Chinese Embassy.
"These great leaders laid the foundations of our relations decades ago. Since then, our ties are growing from strength to strength every year," he added. The President said, "what truly sets our friendship apart from other bilateral relationships is the depth of feeling that exists between our two peoples."
He said the people of Pakistan and China have stood shoulder to shoulder through difficult times, adding, they have stood together through every trial and tribulation. "They hold the same ideals. These are the ideals of freedom, dignity, and the right to peaceful pursuit of development and prosperity," he added. The President said in recent years, the governments of Pakistan and China have injected fresh energy into their relationship, adding, "We have developed a strong momentum of high-level visits and exchanges."
The President said that he has personally visited China nine times in the past four years, which has helped deepen our strategic co-operation. "It demonstrates the two countries' commitment to forging even stronger ties. It also ensures that our friendship is transmitted to the next generations," he added. The President said last year, the two sides celebrated the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, adding, "We seized this opportunity to renew our pledge to this extraordinary friendship."
"We did this by building on existing co-operation in areas of mutual interest and by exploring new avenues for fruitful co-operation," he added. The President said Pakistan and China remain committed to work together for a prosperous future for our children. "We are committed to ensure that our children inherit a more peaceful and harmonious world," he added.
President Zardari said China is a source of stability in the region and the world, adding, "China has become a beacon of hope for the developing countries. It is a source of inspiration for the peoples of the Third World countries." The President said Pakistan rejoices in China's great success and greatly values China's contributions for the promotion of peace and harmony in Asia and beyond. The President extended on behalf of the government and the people of Pakistan and on his own behalf, to the government and people of China best wishes on China's National Day.-PR