ISLAMABAD APRIL 21(INP) China and Pakistan will always move forward together and the Chinese people will always stand together with the Pakistani people, President Xi Jinping said Tuesday while addressing the joint sitting of parliament, Tuesday.
Describing Pakistan as China’s “dependable” friend, Xi stressed that the bilateral ties are based on mutual trust and support.
The two countries should support each other’s core interests, Xi said, noting that China firmly backs Pakistan’s territorial integrity.
He hailed Pakistan and China’s long-standing ties, saying Islamabad stood by Beijing at a time when it stood isolated on the world stage.
He also announced that his country firmly supports Pakistan’s commitment to uphold its sovereignty, territorial integrity and national dignity. He vowed to stand by Pakistan in its endeavour to achieve the great objective of socio economic development and prosperity.
The Chinese President said that both Pakistan and China have a shared destiny and both will work together to create a bright future for the peoples of the two countries. He said during talks with the prime minister, we have agreed to further elevate the all weather strategic partnership. By this, we mean that we will move together in rain and sun shine.
Discussing the history of Pakistan-China relations, the Chinese President said this is often termed as higher than the Himalayas, deeper than the ocean and sweeter than the honey by the Pakistani brothers while Chinese people refer to Pakistani people as good friends, good partners and good brothers.
Xi Jinping said Pakistan is a great country. Its people are kind, brave and dignified in character. Over the past sixty years, Pakistan in the face of many domestic and international problems has risen up to the challenges and upheld its sovereignty, territorial integrity as well as achieved significant national and economic development.
He said Pakistan, in the new century, stands at the forefront in the war on terror. Appreciating Pakistan’s sacrifices in the war on terror, he said it has endured enormous sacrifices in upholding peace and stability in the region and the world at large. He announced that his country will provide assistance for the development and reconstruction of federally administered tribal areas.
He said Pakistan today has a historic development opportunity and admired the prime minister’s vision to make Pakistan the Asian tiger. He said it is a comprehensive blueprint for development and expressed the confidence that Pakistan will achieve the desired goal. He said the Chinese people will stand by their Pakistani people in this great endeavour.
The President said the Chinese people have great respect for the people of Pakistan and have very good wishes for the development and progress of Pakistan. He said he chose Pakistan as the first country to visit this year which reflects our deep rooted love and affection besides our desire to give new impetus to our relations
He said our friendship is a great asset for the future generations as both the countries are knitted in the deep bonds of culture and civilizations. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the two countries have made concerted efforts to forge strong relations and pursue development. We have always supported each other on core issues. Such a friendship, he said, is truly unique. He pointed out that Pakistan is one of the first countries which recognized China and it was the first Islamic country to establish diplomatic relations with Beijing.
The Chinese president acknowledged that Pakistan has always come forward with selfless and valuable assistance whenever China was hit by difficult times. Similarly, he said China has come for Pakistan’s help whenever the need arose. In this regard, he mentioned the assistance extended by Pakistan to China in 2008 earthquake and the Chinese assistance to Pakistan in 2010 floods.
Presenting a future roadmap for building a more robust strategic partnership, the Chinese President said both the countries need to work together to strengthen their friendship and economic relations. He said we should continue to support each other on core issues and remain each other’s dependable partners. This year is being observed as a year of friendly exchanges and we should enhance frequent high level exchanges in order to consolidate the relations. Besides, cultural centers and media organizations should also conduct diverse events for the promotion of relations. He said groups of one hundred youth from each other’s countries should also visit each other’s countries to strengthen the people to people contacts. He announced that his country will make arrangements to provide training to two thousand Pakistani youth in diverse fields in the next five years. One thousand teaching staff will be trained in Chinese language.
He said China believes in common development and it will take along Pakistan in this path of development. He said Pakistan-China economic corridor project will bring prosperity in all parts of Pakistan and the region.
Xi Jinping said both the friendly countries should maintain strategic communication on regional and international issues. He said China supports Pakistan’s constructive role in Afghanistan.
Xi Jinping said both the countries share common threats and they should stick together to confront them. He said China will enhance Pakistan’s capability in fighting terrorism and meet non traditional threats.
He said strong relations with Pakistan will remain top priority of our diplomatic agenda. Regardless of changes at the international level, we will continue to see Pakistan in strategic and long term perspective. He once again vowed that bilateral relations will be further strengthened and enriched.
Speaking of the relationship between China and South Asia, Xi said China is the largest neighbor of South Asian countries, and a peaceful and stable South Asia conforms to China’s interests.