Nishan-i-Imtiaz conferred upon Chinese commander

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari conferred the award of Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Military) upon Commander of the Ground Forces of People’s Liberation Army of China General Li Qiaoming in recognition of his meritorious services rendered towards enhancing defence cooperation between Pakistan and China. The president conferred the award upon General Li Qiaoming during a special investiture ceremony held, at the Aiwan-e-Sadr on Tuesday. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani, Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir and other high-ranking civil and military officials from both Pakistan and China graced the event.

The Chinese commander thanked the president for the conferment of Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Military) and said that the award was a testimony of the strong bonds between the two countries.

Later, while talking to General Li Qiaoming, who along with his delegation called on him at Aiwan-e-Sadr, President Asif Ali Zardari said that both countries enjoyed historic relations, spanning over seven decades, and affirmed Pakistan’s resolve to stand with China given the changing global scenario. Welcoming the Chinese commander, Zardari underscored the need for further enhancing military and defence cooperation, people-to-people contacts and cultural linkages to bring the two countries closer. He said that Pakistan was encouraging the learning of the Chinese language which would greatly help promote people-to-people ties. The president remarked that China Pakistan Economic Corridor was his initiative, envisioned during his previous tenure as the President of Pakistan.

Highlighting the importance of Pak-China friendship, General Li Qiaoming said that the friendship between the two countries was unbreakable. He added that both countries needed to work together to fight terrorism. He also condemned Sunday’s terrorist attacks and offered his heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Pakistan over the loss of life.