Beijing, May 26th—The Communist Party of China (CPC) and the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) held an online celebration here today for the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relationship between China and Pakistan and the 10th anniversary of the exchanges between the two parties. Song Tao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee and Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Vice President of ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and Pakistani Foreign Minister attended and addressed the event. The meeting also held an online signing ceremony of the action plan for exchange and cooperation between the Communist Party of China and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (2021-2023). 

Song said that since the establishment of diplomatic relationship between China and Pakistan 70 years ago, the friendship between the two countries have gone through tests and remained rock-solid. In 2015, President Xi Jinping paid a historic visit to Pakistan, during which the bilateral relationship was elevated to an all-weather strategic cooperative partnership, opening a new chapter in China-Pakistan friendly cooperation. The two countries have been closely working together to fight against COVID-19 since its outbreak. And Pakistan became the first country to receive China’s vaccines, which further boosted China-Pakistan friendship. At present, with changes and a pandemic both unseen in a century, human society is facing more risks and challenges. Guided by the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two parties and countries, and taking the opportunity of celebrating the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relationship, both sides should give full play to the role of the “China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Political Parties Joint Consultation Mechanism”, promote exchanges and cooperation in a wider scope, broader areas and at a deeper level, and jointly shoulder the glorious mission entrusted by the times.

Song said that the inter-party relationship between China and Pakistan is an important channel for the two countries to deepen strategic mutual trust, promote mutually beneficial cooperation, and consolidate the foundation of public opinion. This year coincides with the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the relationship between the CPC and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. The CPC is willing to strengthen strategic communication with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, deepen experience exchanges in state governance and administration, promote the high-quality development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor through party consultation and “party plus”, continue to firmly support each other on issues concerning respective core interests and major concerns, and jointly cope with changes in the international and regional situations as well as various risks and challenges, so as to play an exemplary role in building a community with a shared future for mankind.

Qureshi warmly congratulated the 100th anniversary of the founding of the CPC, highly commended the great achievements made by the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core in leading the Chinese people in fighting against COVID-19, developing the economy, alleviating poverty and tackling corruption, and praised China’s development for setting up an example for many developing countries, including Pakistan. He expressed that Pakistan highly values its friendly cooperation with China and appreciates China for its valuable help to Pakistan in fighting COVID-19. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf is willing to take the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relationship between Pakistan and China and the 10th anniversary of the exchanges between the two parties as an opportunity to work together with the CPC to implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two parties and countries, further strengthen exchanges of experience in state and party governance, continue to promote the cooperation of “China-Pakistan Economic Corridor” and push forward the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership between Pakistan and China.

Chen Zhou, Vice-minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, presided over the meeting. Arshad Dad, Vice President of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, and Nong Rong, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan attended the event.

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