50th Anniversary of Sino-Pakistani Relations MarkedA luncheon was held Tuesday at the Great Hall of the People to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan.The luncheon, sponsored by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the China-Pakistan Friendship Association, was attended by over 100 people including Vice-Chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People 's Congress Jiang Zhenghua, CPAFFC President Chen Haosu, President of the Pakistan Human Rights Association Mr Zafar, and Pakistani Ambassador to China Riaz Hussain Khokhar. In his speech, Chen Haosu said that China and Pakistan are two great nations with ancient civilizations, and the traditional friendship and friendly exchanges between the two peoples date back to ancient times. In modern times, the two peoples have been compassionate and supportive of each other in the struggle against imperialism and colonialism for national independence and liberation, noted Chen, adding that Pakistan was one of the first countries to recognize the new China founded in 1949. He went on to say that through the joint efforts of the two governments and their peoples, bilateral cooperation of mutual benefit has been continuously strengthened with remarkable progress at various levels and in different fields since Sino- Pakistani diplomatic ties were forged 50 years ago. He stressed that no matter whatever changes in the international situation in the past years, the bilateral friendship has never been affected but has kept developing healthily. Chinese people will never forget the valuable support Pakistan has provided on the issues of human rights, Tibet and Taiwan, Chen noted, pointing out that facts have proven that bilateral friendly relations on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Co- Existence have stood the test of time and such a relationship has become a typical example of relationship between countries with different social systems. He continued to say that both China and Pakistan are developing countries facing the common task of developing the economy and improving people's lives. This is not only in the fundamental interests of the two peoples but also conducive to regional peace and stability and to strengthening bilateral good-neighborly friendship and cooperation. The Chinese side will work together with Pakistan to make contributions to furthering bilateral friendship and the all-round cooperative partnership, safeguarding world peace and promoting the progress of the humankind. Khokhar spoke highly of the Pakistan-China friendship, saying that his country will, as always, develop its relations with China. |
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