Tazeen Akhtar
74th Founding Anniversary of the People’s Republic of China proved to be the most magnificent and highly attended event in the capital in the last week of Sep as 01 Oct is the Day when Chinese nation founded the Republic in the leadership of Chairman Mao Zedong. The Embassy in Islamabad decided to celebrate the most auspicious day on 28th Sep 2023.Here it is worth mentioning 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.
Ambassador to Pakistan H.E. Mr. Jiang Zaidong hosted a grand reception on the auspicious occasion of his nation at Serena Hotel Islamabad. From Pakistani side, Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani, Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani, Governor Sindh Kamran Tessori, Governor KPK ,Minister Information Murtaza Solangi were prominent. Envoys and diplomats, government and military officials, businessmen, civil society and media persons were also present.
Representation of all mainstream political parties attended the event expressing complete confidence in the CPEC project and China Pakistan cooperation in regional and international arena.
H.E rightly stated that CPEC has an important role in Pakistan’s economic and social development.CPEC has become the well-known hallmark of China-Pakistan cooperation.
There were two notable things that can be kept in minds while analyzing the state of cooperation between the two countries and pace of work on CPEC. First China has appointed full fledged Ambassador after many months. At the same time, China has posted Ambassador in Kabul as well. It means the Chinese leadership is not only committed to enhance the present level of cooperation but the region can also expect stability in the coming days. Secondly the work on CPEC is taking new turn in the second phase for sure. The rumors about delay in second phase has been dispelled totally.
New Ambassador H.E. Mr. Jiang Zaidong, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Arts. He is member of the Communist Party of China (CPC). H.E presented his credentials to the President of Pakistan on 13 Sep 2023.
In his welcome address at the foundation day, Ambassador said that under the strong leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping, China is steadfastly advancing the process of Chinese modernisation and China will provide new opportunities for developing countries, including Pakistan, with new accomplishments in the Chinese modernisation.
“friendship between Pakistan and China was strong and deep as Pakistan was a brotherly country. China-Pakistan relationship has profound historical roots, solid public support, and vital practical needs, H.E noted.
Ambassador added , “With the joint efforts of both sides, CPEC has achieved fruitful outcomes covering areas of industry, agriculture, IT, disaster prevention and mitigation 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.”
President for enhanced cooperation with China, Venezuela and Colombia
H.E shed light on remarkable achievements in the past 74 years under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC). He mentioned rapid economic growth and long-term social stability as key milestones.He highlighted China’s contributions to the world economy, social development, and global cooperation.
Ambassador Jiang Zaidong said that Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a platform for win-win cooperation and common development.
The ambassador invited Pakistani leaders and representatives to the upcoming Third “Belt and Road” Forum for International Cooperation, with the aim of strengthening strategic cooperation and promoting initiatives for global development and security.
He expressed his commitment to enhancing China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperation and promoting the development of the CPEC. He highlighted the importance of balancing development and security while supporting each other on core issues and international fairness and justice.
Mr. Jalil Abbas Jilani, FM Pakistan appreciated China’s remarkable development and progress under the visionary leadership of the Communist Party of China. He discussed China’s transformation into a modern economic powerhouse and invoked the spirit of Mao Zedong, highlighting the visionary foundation of the People’s Republic of China. He underscored the enduring friendship between Pakistan and China, referring to it as “iron-clad,” and spoke of the cultural linkages that have historically bound the two nations together.
He mentioned the successes of this friendship, prominently mentioning the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a flagship initiative of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing and deepening this friendship and working together for mutual development and progress.
Chairman Senate of Pakistan, Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani, addressing the gathering, extended heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency, President Xi Jinping, the Communist Party of China (CPC), and the people of China on this significant milestone. He highlighted the enduring friendship between Pakistan and China, emphasizing the depth of mutual trust, respect, and shared vision for a brighter future.
Expressing gratitude for the warm welcome received, Chairman Senate welcomed His Excellency and Mrs. Jiang Zaidong to Pakistan. He conveyed assurance of complete support and cooperation in diplomatic and bilateral engagements during Ambassador Jiang Zaidong’s tenure.
The Chairman reflected on the historical ties between Pakistan and China, emphasizing the strength of their bond that has grown over the years. He underscored the importance of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a testament to their trust and brotherhood. Chairman Senate expressed confidence that CPEC would symbolize their joint commitment to regional prosperity.
Acknowledging China’s remarkable economic achievements, Chairman Senate commended the nation for lifting around 800 million people out of poverty—a feat unparalleled in history. He noted President Xi Jinping’s transformative vision, as outlined in China’s recent White Paper, emphasizing an innovative and profound approach to international relations and economic globalization.
“READY TO PROMOTE HIGH QUALITY DEVELOPMENT OF CPEC”
Chairman Senate expressed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening ties with China based on mutual respect and shared aspirations. He reiterated gratitude for China’s unwavering support during challenging times, including natural disasters and the global health crisis posed by COVID-19.
As a pledge of commitment, Chairman Senate emphasized the role of parliamentary diplomacy in fostering deeper ties, collaboration, and mutual understanding between the two nations. He concluded by reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering dedication to the unique bond with China, envisioning a future filled with success, growth, and unparalleled friendship.
The resolve expressed from both sides is satisfactory in a sense that the commitment is there and hurdles can be erased when determination is strong and parties have unbreakable bonds of trust and mutual interests. Pakistan China faced many obstacles in the way to the road connectivity in the shape of CPEC but thanks to the bilateral engagements and understanding they are moving forward to the destination of shared development that is the vision of the President Xi Jinping.
