‘Pak-China friendship conducive to regional, global peace’

Islamabad : Celebrating the 70th anniversary of establishment of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations, the All Pakistan-China Friendship Association (APCFA) organized a well-attended webinar titled, ‘Pakistan-China at 70: Past Reflections-Building a Community for a Shared Future in the New Era’ in Islamabad.

General Secretary APCFA Farwa Zafar in her welcome remarks said that people to people bonds are at the core of strengthening the Pak- China relationship as they bring neighbourly friends closer together. She cited an old Chinese saying “a close friend from afar brings a distant land near” which she said echoes the sentiments of both countries.

Cultural Counselor, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China. Zhang Heqing, said that the experience of the past 70 years has proved that China-Pakistan friendship and cooperation are not only in the fundamental interests of the two countries, but also conducive to regional and global peace, stability and development. Both are committed to building a more just, democratic and reasonable multi-polar international order. Referring to the BRI flagship project CPEC he said that it has served as a catalyst for socio-economic development in Pakistan. He concluded by praising APCFA for playing a positive role in this aspect.

President APCFA Muhammad Ikhlaque Usmani said that Pakistan--China relations have been built on a strong foundation of mutual trust and understanding and are the common wealth of our two people.

Bilal Akram Shah, Counselor at the Pakistan Embassy in Beijing delivering Ambassador Moin-ul-Haque’s message said that Pakistan China enjoy an exemplary relationship which has stood the test of times.

Ambassador Naghmana Hashmi tracing the evolution of the Pakistan-China friendship said that the 1962 Pakistan-China border agreement was pivotal in changing and boosting the relationship of both countries.

Madame Zhang Qian, Vice President Beijing People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries highlighted on the youth

exchanges through cultural and art competitions

which are bringing the young generation closer to each other. She said that now students are painting the Beijing Winter Olympics 2022, winners of which will have their paintings gifted to the winning athletes.

Dr. Fazal-ur-Rahman, Director of the Pakistan Institute of China Studies at the University of Sargodha talked of how the study of Chinese and China focused activities is enhancing the study of China in Pakistan.