GREETINGS: Masood Khan(right), Pakistani Ambassador to China, speaks to Fu Ying, vice minister of China's Foreign Affairs Ministry, at the Pakistani National Day reception in Beijing on March 23 (LEI RUIDONG)

The National Day reception of Pakistan organized by the Pakistani Embassy was held in Beijing on March 23.

In his opening remarks, Masood Khan, Pakistan's Ambassador to China, highlighted the efforts the Pakistani people have made toward consolidating democracy, stimulating economic growth, and defeating the forces of extremism.

Khan also cast a positive review of Pakistan-China relations over the past year, citing a strong strategic partnership, bilateral trade, Chinese investment in Pakistan, and people-to-people contacts.

"The Pakistan-China friendship is unique," Khan said in Chinese. "The people of Pakistan love the people of China. The people of China have deepest regards for the people of Pakistan. Pakistan-China relations are all-weather and time-tested."

Moreover, "the Pakistan-China friendship is deeper than oceans; higher than mountains; stronger than steel; sweeter than honey and more precious than eyes," he added effusively. "Pakistan and China are good friends, good neighbours, good brothers and good partners."

These are "four strong points," he said. "Long live Pakistan-China friendship!"

In addition, General Liang Guanglie, China's defense minister, and professor Li Xiguang of Tsinghua University were awarded the "Hilal-i-Pakistan" and "Sitara-i-Quaid-i-Azam," respectively, in recognition for their endeavors toward strengthening the friendship and cooperation between Pakistan and China.