Honourable Prime Minister of Pakistan, worthy colleagues,
Mr. Long Yuxiang, Chairman of China International Cultural Communication Centre,
Ambassador Sha Zukang,
Worthy diplomats, respected speakers,
Leadership of Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries,
Distinguished Guests, Excellencies, Media friends
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Assalam-o-alaikum and very good afternoon,
On behalf of the Pakistan visiting delegation under leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan Embassy in Beijing, it is my distinct honour to welcome you all, the friends of Pakistan – to the 4th Pakistan-China Friendship and Business Event.I wish to sincerely thank all the distinguished guests, diplomats, government officials, business executives, entrepreneurs and members of the academia and media for joining us today.
Today’s event is a cherished tradition. It embodies the essence of our friendship and mutual respect. Over the years, this platform has played a pivotal role in bringing together leaders, policymakers, business executives, and entrepreneurs from both countries.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my deep appreciation for:
* The Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC); China-Pakistan Friendship Association (CPFA); China International Cultural Communication Centre (CICCC); and all other supporting units – JDB group and Anhua County Yuntiange tea Co., Ltd.
* For Ambassador Khalil Hashmi and his capable team at Pakistan Embassy in Beijing;
* All of our friends from various walks of life in Beijing who are present here today. Your presence is reflective of the strong consensus on nurturing Pakistan-China friendship;
* And of course, profound gratitude to Ambassador Sha Zukang for his steadfast and longstanding support to Pakistan. Generations of Pakistani diplomats have sought inspiration from him in fortifying and further solidifying our bilateral ties.
Being in China, we always feel like at home.In Shenzhen yesterday, we wrote a new chapter of our economic cooperation. We convened a hugely attended successful Conference that had a focus on tangible, targeted, substantive and result-oriented economic cooperation with a focus on attracting and facilitating Chinese investments in 13 export-oriented sectors inside Pakistan.
Our Ambassador Khalil Hashmi and his team successfully mobilized over 400 Chinese businesspersons and entrepreneurs who came together to network with around 120 Pakistani counterparts on a scale that is unprecedented. I am confident they have started a new journey of win-win partnership and joint cooperation. In the months ahead, we will reciprocate this model further and invite Chinese companies in Pakistan.
Right on the very next day, here we are today in Beijing – amongst this distinguished gathering of friends of Pakistan, engaging further to strengthen our iron-clad & space-partners friendship.
It sets the tone for our future interactions, providing a foundation for deeper economic ties and stronger cultural connections.In the local context, the forum serves as a testament to China’s dedication to fostering international partnerships. It is a symbol of how traditions and cultural exchanges can be harnessed to promote understanding, peace, prosperity and development.
Our world today is at the cusp of a new era, witnessing profound and fast-paced changes. This would, as before, test the resilience of our iron-clad friendship. Our partnership has already risen to strategic level, encompassing economy, trade, social and defence sectors. We wholeheartedly support President Xi’s Global Development Initiative (GDI), Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) and Global Security Initiative (GSI). I would like to reaffirm that Pakistan has been, is and will always be China’s trusted friend and partner.
Once again, a very warm welcome to you all at the 4th Pakistan-China Friendship and Business Event.Long live Pakistan-China Friendship!
I thank you all.
