A special event "A Journey to China, A Bond of Brotherhood: An Exchange Event Between the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Its Pakistani Iron-Clad Friends was held here on Sunday at a local hotel. It was hosted by Pakistan-China Economic & Cultural Council (PCECC) on occasion of the visit of Mr. Liu Haixing, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC). The event also marked the inauguration of the Pakistan-China Research Center for Party and State Governance, celebrating the enduring friendship and strategic partnership between Pakistan and China. Prominent among those who were present on the occasion included Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani, Governor KPK Faisal Karim Kundi and Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong.

The Chinese Minister noted, over the 75 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, China and Pakistan have stood side by side through thick and thin, setting an example of political mutual trust, mutual benefit, win-win cooperation, friendship between the two peoples and multilateral coordination between countries with different ideologies and systems. He said he has highly impressed by warm welcome extended to him since his arrival in Pakistan. Both countries needed to enhance their mutual exchanges at various levels. " We are proud of the two countries' strong and long-standing friendship. We cherish it.

We have heart to heart connections for further development of our decades-old friendship from generation to generation, " he added. He also underlined the importance of setting the Research center in Pakistan. He called for close cooperation and exchanges among all the political parties and other socio-economic groups of the two countries. Since the beginning of the new era, under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and Pakistani leaders, the China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative partnership has been continuously deepened, advancing steadily toward the goal of building a China-Pakistan community with a shared future he added. He also briefed the audience about China's fast economic growth under the leadership of CPC.

He highlighted the party's building in transforming the country on modern lines. Mr. Liu emphasized that the two sides should implement the important consensus that had reached between the two countries’ upgrading of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), maintaining close communication and coordination on major international and regional hotspot issues, and jointly build a China-Pakistan community with a shared future. Chairman Senate in his address noted, Pakistan and China share a close, brotherly relationship. Inter-party exchanges are an important part of bilateral relations. He lauded the establishment of the Research Center and thanked for nominating him its honorary chairman.

Over the past 75 years since diplomatic ties were established, exchanges and cooperation between political parties of both countries have never been interrupted despite changes in the international landscape. He said he had an honour of personally seeing various phases of the two countries' friendship. He assured full support of the Senate for further consolidating the friendship. Pakistan highly appreciates the major global initiatives proposed by President Xi Jinping, which reflect his far-sighted vision. Pakistan will firmly support and actively participate in these initiatives.

Pakistan stands ready to further consolidate strategic and political mutual trust with China, deepen practical cooperation across all fields, jointly build an upgraded version of the CPEC, promote exchanges at all levels including political parties, legislatures, media and youth. The CPEC has provided significant support for improving Pakistan's economic and social landscape and is a jewel in the Belt and Road Initiative, he added.

Governor KPK also spoke on the occasion and praised the growing Sino-Pak friendship in different fields. He also praised the Chinese leadership for the country's fast growth. He offered various opportunities for investment in his province by the Chinese side.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China