'Stood like a rock': PM Shehbaz hails China's steadfast support for Pakistan

• Pakistan, China mark 75 years of diplomatic relations.
• China stood by Pakistan through every challenge: PM.
• President pays tribute to President Xi Jinping’s leadership.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said China has consistently stood with Pakistan with steadfast support through thick and thin, adding that the friendship between the two countries has grown stronger over time.

“China has stood like a rock with Pakistan in every difficult time,” said PM Shehbaz as he was addressing a ceremony in Islamabad held on Thursday to mark the 75th anniversary of Pakistan—China diplomatic relations.

Addressing the ceremony, PM Shehbaz said Pakistan was the first Islamic country to recognise China, adding that the event celebrating Chinese friendship was a source of great joy.

The prime minister described Pakistan–China friendship as a unique example in the world which had stood the test of time.

“Pakistan fully supports the One China policy without any fear,” he said and noted that China had provided exceptional support during floods and other natural disasters.

He went on to say that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was important for Pakistan’s economy and employment generation. PM Shehbaz said that China had lifted 800 million people out of poverty, describing its economic and military leadership as an example for the world.

The prime minister recalled announcing last year that 1,000 students would be sent to China, thanking Beijing for turning the initiative into reality. He said that cooperation against terrorism was being further strengthened, adding that every Chinese citizen in Pakistan was being provided with the best security.

On Middle East tensions, the prime minister said Pakistan was playing a central role in efforts to resolve the US-Iran conflict, adding that China had supported Pakistan’s mediation efforts.

Speaking at the ceremony, President Asif Ali Zardari congratulated the leadership and people of China, especially President Xi Jinping, on the completion of 75 years of diplomatic ties, stating that the relationship between Islamabad and Beijing was built on mutual trust, unwavering support and shared development goals.

He said bilateral cooperation had expanded across trade, investment, infrastructure, technology, defence and people-to-people exchanges.

The president said Pakistan and China would continue supporting peace, stability, development and multilateralism at the regional and global levels. He added that both countries had always safeguarded each other’s core interests and maintained close cooperation in education, agriculture, science and technology, defence and cultural exchanges.

President Zardari thanked the Chinese government for its support in Pakistan’s development projects, particularly Gwadar Port, and termed the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) a historic initiative that continued to play a transformative role in Pakistan’s socio-economic progress.

Paying tribute to President Xi Jinping’s leadership, he said China had achieved unprecedented economic development and remarkable poverty alleviation under his vision.

President Zardari shared that he had visited the country 14 times, including two visits last year, and recently visited the birthplace of Chairman Mao Zedong during his latest trip.

On the occasion, President Zardari unveiled a commemorative postage stamp marking the 75th anniversary of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations.

President Asif Ali Zardari, Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gillani, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishq Dar and other leaders also attended the Pak-China ties ceremony.

— With additional input from APP