Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari has extended warm felicitations to President Xi Jinping and the people of China on the 75th anniversary of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations on behalf of the Government and people of Pakistan. In his message on the occasion, he said that Pakistan-China relations have stood as a remarkable example of enduring friendship and strategic cooperation.
According to Radio Pakistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also extended heartfelt congratulations to the people of Pakistan and China on this historic occasion. In his message, he emphasized that the people of Pakistan hold the people of China in the highest esteem and affection. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations on 21 May 1951, the friendship between Pakistan and China has steadily evolved into an All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership. Built on mutual trust, sovereign equality, and shared aspirations for peace and development, the bilateral relations have continued to grow amidst changing regional and global circumstances.
The Prime Minister highlighted the commitment of the Chinese leadership in strengthening Pakistan-China relations and advancing the shared vision of building a closer 'Pakistan-China Community of Shared Future in the New Era.' He expressed appreciation for China's cooperation with Pakistan in multifaceted fields and reiterated Pakistan's commitment to the One-China principle, ensuring support for China on issues concerning its core interests.
He further acknowledged China's support for Pakistan's socio-economic development and national priorities, noting the significant role of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative. CPEC has immensely contributed to Pakistan's infrastructure development, energy security, industrial cooperation, and regional connectivity. The Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan's commitment to high-quality development of CPEC, emphasizing its next phase will focus on industrialization, agriculture, information technology, green development, and people-centered cooperation.
Shehbaz Sharif expressed encouragement over the expanding cooperation between the two countries into new frontiers, including digital economy, innovation, space cooperation, education, and cultural exchanges. From the Karakoram Highway to cooperation in outer space, the enduring strategic trust between Pakistan and China continues to translate into meaningful progress and shared prosperity.
He also lauded the visionary leadership of President Xi Jinping and appreciated China's remarkable achievements in economic development, technological advancement, poverty alleviation, and global connectivity. The Prime Minister emphasized that the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations is not only about remembering the past but also about shaping the future, highlighting the commitment of both nations to multilateralism, peaceful coexistence, and inclusive development as a positive force for regional stability and international cooperation.
In a related development, the State Bank of Pakistan announced the issuance of a seventy-five rupees commemorative coin to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China. A statement from the SBP revealed that the coin would be available to the general public from Monday.