The Consul General of China in Karachi, Yang Yundong, reiterated his dedication to bolstering the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership between China and Pakistan. Speaking at a seminar hosted by the Chinese Consulate General in Karachi to mark the 73rd anniversary of China-Pakistan diplomatic relations, Yundong emphasized the deep and enduring ties between the two nations.
“Our comprehensive cooperation has flourished, enduring the ever-changing international landscape and solidifying into an ‘ironclad’ friendship,” Yundong stated. He pledged to uphold the core interests of both countries, maintain close communication, enhance pragmatic cooperation, and further deepen bilateral relations.
Yundong noted that Pakistan was the first Islamic country to recognize the People’s Republic of China and establish formal diplomatic relations. He highlighted the Karakoram Highway as a testament to the enduring friendship between the two countries. “China has consistently supported Pakistan in defending its national sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, and Pakistan has supported China in safeguarding its core interests,” he said.
The seminar also featured discussions on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project that has significantly contributed to Pakistan’s economic and social development. Yundong shared impressive statistics, noting that over the past 11 years, CPEC has brought $25.4 billion in direct investment, created 236,000 jobs, built 510km of highways, generated over 8,000 megawatts of electricity, and developed 886km of core transmission network.
Highlighting recent achievements, he mentioned Pakistan’s first lunar probe, ICUBE-Qamar, launched alongside China’s Chang’e 6, marking a milestone in bilateral cooperation in space exploration.
On the Kashmir issue, Yundong stated that it should be resolved peacefully in accordance with the UN Charter, relevant Security Council resolutions, and bilateral agreements. He also reiterated China’s stance on Taiwan, asserting that it is an integral part of China and stressing China’s resolve to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Irfan Soomro, Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Liaison Office in Karachi, praised China’s economic growth and transformations, and expressed support for China’s stance on Taiwan. He highlighted the importance of the Ironclad friendship between China and Pakistan, based on shared commitments to peace and inclusive economic globalization.
Other speakers, including Nadira Panjwani, Dr. Junaid Ahmed, Saeed Hussain Javed, Fazal Karim Dadabhoy, and Mazahir Naqvi, echoed the need for stronger people-to-people contacts and swift implementation of CPEC’s second phase. They emphasized the importance of cooperation in the agricultural sector and the necessity of further strengthening the bilateral relationship.
The event underscored the robust and evolving partnership between China and Pakistan, emphasizing mutual support and collaboration across various sectors for regional peace and prosperity.
