- China, Pakistan to observe 2019 as year of friendship between sister-cities
Beijing – Pakistan’s Gwadar and China’s Puyang were declared sister cities at a high-level forum held here on Thursday.
The announcement was made at forum on cooperation between Pakistan and China. Balochistan Minister for Information Zahoor Ahmed Buledi and Chinese officials signed separate agreements in this regard.
Pakistani delegation was led by Federal Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination Dr Fehmida Mirza, who was accompanied by Pakistani Ambassador to China Masood Khalid and others, it said.
The Chinese side was led by Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries Vice President Lin Yi.
Speaking as the chief guest on the occasion, Federal Minister Mirza said, “Pakistan highly values its relationship and mutual cooperation with China.”
She, on behalf of people of Pakistan, acknowledged and appreciated China’s support to Pakistan in the recent situation (with India) and playing a vital role in de-escalating tensions in South Asia.
The minister also praised the participation of the Chinese contingent in the Pakistan Day parade and spectacular air show presented by Chinese pilots.
“It not only enhanced the prestige of the occasion, but also gave a loud and clear message that the two nations stand shoulder-to-shoulder through thick and thin,” said the minister.
Mirza observed that the last visit of Prime Minister Imran Khan to China had given a new impetus to Pakistan and China friendship and opened up several new avenues of cooperation.
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was a basic pillar of Belt and Road Initiative under which most of the early harvest projects had been completed especially in the fields of infrastructure and energy.
Ambassador of Pakistan to China, Khalid Masood said in November 201 that the Prime Minister Imran Khan and Primer LI Keqiang agreed that China and Pakistan should celebrate their friendship in 2019 as sister cities and provinces.
He said we share believe, sincerity and goodwill among our both countries and people firm foundations of unshakeable China friendship.
Our friendship rooted history and share all segments of society. Peoples of Pakistan have always seen China as their trusted and sincere friend.
Furthermore, Ambassador said deep routes of our bilateral friendship traced back from the years. Shortly after the foundation of Pakistan and Emergence of New China.
Pakistan implementation on pilot project China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as flagship project of One Belt One Road. CPEC has added to very visible dimensions to over increasingly economic partnership, China step to partner of socio-economic development, he added.
In coming days, we will promote south development of CPEC. Completion and ongoing projects of CPEC gives strong foundation for Pakistan’s future economy. Development of CPEC also represent in valuable opportunities for China businessman and enterprises, he mentioned.
He mentioned that socio-economic cover six Vital areas of Agriculture, Education, medical treatment and health care, poverty elevation, water supply and technical training are being identified.
