Pakistan celebrates China’s 75th National Day: President, PM reaffirm strong commitment to CPEC

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended heartfelt congratulations to the Chinese people and leadership on the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

Addressing the “China’s National Day Reception”, hosted by the Chinese Embassy, to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, at Serena Hotel, Thursday. President Asif Ali Zardari has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to working together with China for shared prosperity and promoting peace and stability in the world.

Highlighting the importance of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the President said that high quality development of CPEC would help unlock greater benefits for our people, besides enhancing connectivity and prosperity of the region. The event was attended by the Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Federal Ministers, diplomats, dignitaries, and senior civil and military officers.

While extending warmest felicitations to Chinese brothers and sisters on the auspicious occasion, the President stated that the first of October marked the rebirth of a strong, united China, achieved through the heroic struggles of the Chinese people under the visionary leadership of the Communist Party. Speaking on the occasion, the President reflected on the invaluable contributions made by successive generations in transforming the Pakistan-China friendship into an All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership. This partnership had served as a model of inter-state relations and thus become a source of inspiration and strength for both countries. He further added that China was an iron-clad brother of Pakistan and the entire nation was proud of the enduring friendship as both countries stood by each other during testing times.

The President hoped that China was poised to achieve significant milestones in the coming decades, which would not only bolster its development but also reshape the global landscape in politics, economics, and culture in positive ways.

In his address, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said it's a great day and a great event that we are jointly celebrating 75th anniversary of our great friend China's independence. He said we all are very happy to celebrate this momentous event. According to Radio Pakistan, The Prime Minister recalled his visit to China in June this year, saying that he was deeply impressed by the warmth and very friendly welcome by our Chinese friends. He said the people of Pakistan and China are tied into unbreakable and unshakable relationships. He said this friendship is higher than Himalaya and deeper than the deepest ocean.

Expressing gratitude to Chinese leadership for supporting Pakistan in difficult times, the Prime Minister said without Chinese support, it would not have been possible at all to meet IMF conditions. The Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan's complete support to the Chinese stand on Hong Kong, Taiwan and other international issues. He said Pakistan is absolutely clear that we will support the Chinese stand without second thought for all times to come.

The Prime Minister said we are entering into the second phase of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which will be very helpful in transforming Pakistan's economy. He said this phase has a huge potential of mutual cooperation in the field of agriculture, information technology, mines and minerals and many other important areas of our mutual interest.

PM Sharif said we also look forward to deepening our collaboration in areas of mutual interest. He said we also look forward to the visit of the Chinese Premier to Pakistan next month.

Earlier, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif were warmly welcomed on their arrival at the event. Anthems of both the countries were also played on this occasion. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif also cut the cake for the 75th founding day of China.

Editor: Tahir Murtaza