An impressive reception was held here on Thursday in honour of Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong on the occasion of the 74th Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China. Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani and Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani were the Chief guest. A large number of civil and military officers, political figures, diplomats and elite of city, besides some Federal Ministers attended the reception. The reception was meant to celebrate the Chinese Moon Cake Festival and the National Day of China. The mid-autumn festival, also known as the Moon Cake Festival, is a traditional event in the Chinese culture. The history of the festival dates back to over 3,000 years.

On the occasion, the Ambassador  extended heartfelt thanks to the government and people of Pakistan for their warm sentiments towards China. He mentioned the fast-growing China's development under the leadership of President Xi Jinping. He added, China was taking new initiatives for its moderation and reformation in all sectors. The Ambassador also spoke high about the contribution of Communist Party of China in their all-round national development.

He said, the friendship between Pakistan and China was strong and deep as Pakistan was a brotherly country. He welcomed friends to the Chinese Embassy and emphasized that the China-Pakistan relationship has profound historical roots, solid public support, and vital practical needs. Ambassador Jiang stated that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the ‘Belt and Road Initiative’ proposed by President Xi Jinping and the 10th anniversary of the launch of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.  He said that with the joint efforts of both sides, CPEC has achieved fruitful outcomes covering areas of industry, agriculture, IT, disaster prevention and mitigation, etc., which made significant contributions to promoting Pakistan’s economic and social development, upgrading Pakistan’s infrastructure, improving Pakistani people’s well-being, enhancing people to people contact and deepening regional connectivity. 

The CPEC, he said has an important role in Pakistan's economic and social development. CPEC has become the well-known hallmark of China-Pakistan cooperation. He added that under the strong leadership of President Xi Jinping, China is steadfastly advancing the process of Chinese modernization. China will provide new opportunities for developing countries, including Pakistan, with new accomplishments in Chinese modernization. 

As developing countries, both China and Pakistan are constantly exploring development paths that suit their national conditions and are actively committed to maintaining world peace and stability, he maintained. We are ready to work more vigorously with Pakistan under the leadership of the two countries for common development and strengthening strategic partnership.

We are prepared to enhance trade and business cooperation and to promote security interests. People welfare is our prime objectives, the Ambassador Jiang asserted. Speaking on the occasion Foreign Minister Jilil Abbas Jilani paid rich tributes to Chinese leadership for taking China to new heights. He highlighted the growing China, Pakistan partnership under BRI and the CPEC. The bandage of the two countries are very strong and they are iron brothers.

Chairman Senate also addressed the reception and greeted China on their national Day. He hoped the wonderful people of China will keep growing with a passage of time. The BRI and CPEC are the combined vision of the two countries for addressing the socio-economic challenges. He also talked about Sino, Pakistan joint position and efforts on regional and international level. The two counties will continue to march towards common prosperity, he added. A cake was also cut on the occasion to mark the Day.

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