Three Chinese cities named sister cities to Karachi, Gwadar, Multan

BEIJIING: Chinese cities Urumqi, Puyang and Xian were declared as sister cities to Karachi, Gwadar, and Multan respectively at a forum on cooperation between China and Pakistan friendship and cities held here on Thursday to further enhance the bond of friendship between China and Pakistan.

The Pakistani and Chinese officials signed separate agreements in this regard in the presence of Federal Minister of Inter Provincial Coordination, Dr Fehmida Mirza, Pakistan Ambassador to China, Masood Khalid, Vice President, Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, Lin Yi and Executive Vice Governor of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.

Speaking as the chief guest, Federal Minister of IPC, Dr Fehmida Mirza, who led Pakistani delegation, said Pakistan highly valued its relationship and mutual cooperation with China.

She, on behalf of people of Pakistan, acknowledged and appreciated China’s support to Pakistan in the recent situation and playing a role for de-escalating tension in South Asia.

The minister also praised participation of the Chinese contingent at the Pakistan Day Parade and spectacular air show presented by Chinese pilots and added, it had not only enhanced the prestige of the occasion but also gave a loud message that the two nations stood shoulder to shoulder through thick and thin.

Dr Fehmida Mirza observed that the last visit of PM Imran Khan to China had given a new impetus to Pak-China friendship and opened up several new avenues of cooperation.

China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was a basic pillar of Belt and Road Initiative under which most of the early harvest projects had been completed especially in the fields of infrastructure and energy.

Vice President, CPAFFC, Lin Yi welcomed the distinguished guests and remarked that 25,000 Pakistani students studying in China would further enhance understanding between the people of two countries.

She said the Chinese government has established vocational training school and hospital for the welfare of local people.