Ambassador of Pakistan to China Masood Khalid (second right) and Wang Zhigang, Chinese Minister of Science and Technology (third right), cut the cake at the Pakistan Day Reception in Beijing on March 22 (COURTESY PHOTO) 

A grand reception was held in Beijing on March 22 to celebrate the 79th Pakistan Day and the 68th anniversary of the establishment of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations by the Embassy of Pakistan in China.

The reception was attended by a large number of guests including members of the Pakistani community, the diplomatic corps, media representatives and Chinese dignitaries. Wang Zhigang, Minister for Science and Technology, was the chief guest.

Ambassador Masood Khalid welcomed the guests and said Pakistan Day is celebrated every year on March 23 to pay homage to the founders of Pakistan on the day the Lahore Resolution was adopted, heralding in the victory to attain an independent state.

The ambassador added that the leaders of both Pakistan and China have worked selflessly to convert the existing friendship into a strong political economic cooperation based on mutual benefit and shared prosperity.

Regarding the launch of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative, Ambassador Khalid said it had added a new chapter to Pakistani-Chinese friendship. CPEC is making steady progress in agreed upon areas, with 22 projects currently under implementation.

The visit by the Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan further consolidated the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership between Pakistan and China, the Pakistani Ambassador noted, adding that Pakistan and China have named 2019 as the year of Sister City Relationships.

Minister Wang Zhigang extended warm congratulations on behalf of the Chinese Government on the 79th anniversary of the passing of the Lahore Resolution. He described Pakistan as China’s only all-weather friend and strategic partner. He said that China would continue to give priority to China-Pakistan relations and work together to bring peace and prosperity not only to the two countries but to the entire region.

Copyedited by Rebeca Toledo

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