Wednesday, September 30, 2015 – China and Pakistan are “particular friends, Iron brothers”, and the ties of the two countries is “all-weather strategic partnership” said the Chinese consul general Ma Yaou welcoming guests at the 66th anniversary day function of his country in Karachi Monday evening. Warmth and hospitality, felt for decades from top to bottom in both countries, was again reflected as the consul general, his wife, and others greeted the guests at the entry point with lovely smiles.
Warm handshakes, and even embrace. It was indeed amazing to see the strong bonds, binding the two Asian States together, by the huge turn-out of all kinds of people from Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan, Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah, todiplomats, eminent businessmen, and media elite etc. Prominent among them were the acting consul general of USA, Chad Peterson, counterparts from France, Russian Federation, Indonesia, Bangla Desh, Iran, Sri Lanka, and from Oman, Francoise, Oleg Avedeev, Hadi Santoso, Noor-i-Hilal, H.M.B Herath, The KCCI chief, Iftikhar Vohra, Dr Farooq Sattar, and Nasreen Jalil (from MQM), Zia Ispahani, Kader jaffer, Dr Ikthiar Beg, Athar Iqbal, and many more. Extending a warm welcome, and sincere regards to all, including Chinese nationals, overseas Chinese, and those working on developing China-Pak ties, Ma Yaou recalled that his country “experienced extraordinary voyage and obtained outstanding achievements after 66 years of the founding” of the great country.
He added that China not only solved the problem of food and clothing, but also ranks No 2 on the map of world economy with its own “suitable developing style”. His country not only realized self-development stability, but also was vigorously involved in the international society to make contributions to global peace and prosperity. Chinese GDP reached 10 trillion US dollars in 2014 and in the first half of 2015, its economy grew at 7 percent of mid-high increase with 30 percent contribution to the global economy.
At present, China is progressing to structural reforms, implementing innovative-driven development strategy, building moderately prosperous society in 2020. It is aiming at win-win result. About bilateral relations, he remarked that “China has always given Pakistan diplomatic priority”, recalling that his country’s President Xi Jinping during visit to Pakistan signed important agreements, including China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, with the Package of power stations, roads, airports, ports, as well as industrial zones and many other fields.
He said the CPEC will not only help both countries, benefit both people, but will also bring benefit to regional countries and their respective population. He said the Chinese consulate general in Karachi has been engaged hectically in improving trade and business, agriculture etc, in Sindh and Balochistan. Increasing number of Chinese enterprises invested in the two provinces. This year containerized shipment commenced in Gwadar, Port Qasim power station,and Dawood wind power plant which has brought the cooperation on fast track.
We are willing to make progress together with Pakistan side, continuously strengthen, and broaden bilateral cooperation and communication in all fields, steadily improve the development of friendliness, realize the common dream of strong country, better-off people, and harmonious prosperity, making positive contribution to world and regional peace and stable development” he concluded with the words=” May both China and Pakistan be prosperous and their people happy”. Governor Ebad reciprocated his sentiments, saying the prime minister and the government of Pakistan, and the people of this country considered China a great friend. He said he felt immense pride to be at the function to share the happiness and joy of the great Chinese nation.
A delegation of CRSS members was also invited and graciously hosted at the event. The attendees were absolutely amazed at the breadth of talent and enthralled by the incredible acrobatics at display. This is proud moment for Pakistan and China, and the two countries seem to be working in tandem to bring the arts back into the spotlight in Pakistan.
Published on http://pakobserver.net/