In a significant milestone for regional diplomacy, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari exchanged congratulatory messages this Thursday to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. The exchange underscores a relationship that has evolved into a cornerstone of stability in Asia.
President Xi described China and Pakistan as "good friends and all-weather strategic cooperative partners," noting that the two countries are linked by shared geography and a history of supporting one another through both prosperity and hardship. He emphasized that despite fluctuations in the global political climate over the last seven and a half decades, the bond between the two nations has remained "rock-solid and unbreakable."
Highlighting the exemplary nature of their state-to-state relations, President Xi pointed to a long-standing foundation of high-level political trust and practical security and international collaboration. Looking toward the future, he expressed a strong commitment to working with President Zardari to deepen all-round cooperation and accelerate the creation of a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era, aiming to bring tangible benefits to both peoples and promote regional peace.
President Zardari reciprocated these sentiments, characterizing the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership as a steadfast pillar for regional development and stability. He praised the global initiatives proposed by President Xi and expressed deep appreciation for the Chinese mainland's consistent support regarding Pakistan's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and socio-economic growth. Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering support for China's core interests, pledging to elevate the friendship to even greater heights.
The diplomatic celebrations extended to the administrative level, with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also exchanging messages of congratulations. Premier Li emphasized China's readiness to strengthen coordination and specifically highlighted the advancement of the upgraded Version 2.0 of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Prime Minister Sharif echoed this sentiment, stating that the relationship is rooted in mutual trust and sovereign equality. He reiterated Pakistan's commitment to the high-quality development of CPEC and expressed eagerness to explore new avenues of cooperation, ensuring that the economic partnership continues to drive growth for both nations.
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Xi, Zardari exchange congratulations on 75th anniversary of ties
cgtn.com
