Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong and his wife Diana Bao hosted a reception here at a local hotel to celebrate the 68th anniversary of the founding of People's Republic of China. Chairman Senate Mian Raza Rabani as well as ministers, politicians, senior members of the armed forces, diplomats and the civil society were present in large numbers.
The national anthems of Pakistan and China were played and a cake was also cut on the occasion. Prominent those who attended the reception included Deputy Speaker of National Assembly Murtaza Javed Abbasi, Punjab Governor Rafiq Rajwana, KP Governor Zafar Iqbal Jhagra, Chaudhry Shujat Hussain, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Sherry Rehman, Rehman Malik, Syed Mushahid Hussain and Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan.
The ministers who were present on the occasion were Akram Khan Durrani, Sikandar Hayat Bosan, Abdul Qadir Baluch and Baligur Rehman, besides Adviser to PM on security affairs Gen. (Retd) Nasir Janjua. Raza Rabani congratulated the government and the people of China on their national Day, stating they fully shared their job. The two countries, he said enjoyed common position on various regional and international issues. They were moving ahead jointly on road to progress and prosperity.
He spoke high of the China's growing partnership with Pakistan. He also praised China for its contribution in the development of domestic and global economy. Ambassador Sun Weidong in his address reassured the firm support of his country to Pakistan's solidarity and independence and its active participation in the country's socio-economic development.
Referring to a cross-section of the politicians gathered on the occasion, the ambassador said, it is a true reflection that China-Pakistan friendship is a cross-board consensus from all walks of life in Pakistan.
He noted that the world is undergoing profound changes. Peace and development remain the theme of the times. In the past 5 years, under the strong leadership of President Xi Jinping, China has made great achievements. We adhered to the path of peaceful development, advancing reform and opening up, and firmly promoting mutual beneficial and win-win cooperation.
China, he added is the second largest economy and it enjoyed a 6.9 per cent economic growth in the first half of this year. We have full confidence in the bright future of China's development. In the past 10 years, China has contributed to over 30 per cent of global annual growth. Moreover, China is committed to offering its wisdom and solution to address world problems.
"We believe that there should be a global partnership with dialogue over confrontation, partnership over alliance. We are committed to promoting the "Belt and Road" Initiative. We call upon building a new type of international relations, featured by win-win cooperation. These claims have gained more and more recognition and support among the international community," he said.
Next month, he said the Communist Party of China will convene its 19th National Congress. This will be of most importance in China's political life this year. The Chinese people are striving for the Two Centenary Goals. We will build a moderately prosperous society by 2020.
We are also taking confidence in building China into a modern socialist country by the middle of this century. We will definitely realize the Chinese dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation," he added.
Sun Weidong went on to say that a prosperous and strong China will make even greater contribution to world peace and development. We would like to share with the world our development opportunities. We are also ready to make joint efforts with all the countries to build the community of shared prosperity for mankind.
About the Sino-Pak relationship, he said these are a model of state-to-state relations. No matter in past, at present or in future, China and Pakistan are always good neighbors, friends, partners and brothers. In 2015, President Xi Jinping paid a historic state visit to Pakistan and opened the golden age of grand development of China-Pakistan relations. Their cooperation developed vigorously in the fields of trade and investment, culture, science and technology, education, defense and security. They witnessed more and more people to people contacts. The two countries maintained close coordination in major international and regional affairs. China-Pakistan relations are full of opportunities, vitality with broad prospects.He added that China always puts the China-Pakistan relationship as the priority of its foreign policy. China will unswervingly deepen our all-weather strategic partnership, unswervingly support Pakistan's efforts in safeguarding its national independence, sovereignty and dignity, and unswervingly support the development of Pakistan.
The Ambassador said he has been working in Pakistan for more than four years and has witnessed the economic and social development of Pakistan, and improvement of security situation in the country.
Fighting against terrorism is a strategic decision of Pakistan. The great efforts and national sacrifices made by Pakistan for the cause of international counter-terrorism should be fully understood and acknowledged by the international community. China firmly supports Pakistan to carry out its counter-terrorism strategy based on its own national conditions. We will, as always, support Pakistan's efforts in safeguarding its national sovereignty and security.
As a close friend, they are happy to see that Pakistan enjoys peace, stability, solidarity and prosperity. It is also conducive to regional peace and development. The Chinese people are proud of having Pakistan as our iron brother. Looking ahead, China will always stand with Pakistan to go through thick and thin, and make new progress side by side, he added.