Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan addresses the reception in his honor, April 26, 2019. (Photo: Long Ren)

A reception in honor of Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan was held in Beijing on April 26, on the sidelines of the second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF), Haiwainet.cn reported on April 26.

The activity was co-sponsored by China International Culture Communication Center (CICCC) and the Embassy of Pakistan in Beijing, with the participation of the Pakistani delegation, CICCC leaders, and officials from the Pakistani Embassy as well as representatives from all walks of life.

Prime Minister Khan expressed thanks to the kind hospitality of CICCC and China-Pakistan Friendship Association (CPFA), saying that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the foundation of the People’s Republic of China, and also Pakistan’s 72nd anniversary of independence. He said that Pakistan and China are good friends, and Pakistan is proud of and happy to see China’s progress.

Cooperation between the two countries has expanded in all fields. Pakistan hopes to introduce more advanced agricultural technologies from China and have closer cooperation in poverty alleviation, Khan noted.

The Prime Minister wished more Chinese enterprises could show interest in the special economic zones that are a part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

Wu Changde, the CICCC’s First Vice Chairman, presents a Silk Road-themed gift to Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan. (Photo: Long Ren)

Long Yuxiang, CICCC’s Executive Chairman, addresses the reception on April 26, 2019. (Photo: Long Ren)

CICCC Executive Chairman Long Yuxiang addressed the reception, saying that the center has paid high attention to the exchanges and cooperation with the Pakistani side in regards to culture, economy, trade, education and sports, successfully holding the China-Pakistan Year of Friendly Exchanges 2015 and a reception in honor of Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Qingdao Summit.

Moreover, the CICCC also sent several delegations to Pakistan.

Sha Zukang, President of China-Pakistan Friendship Association, addresses the reception on April 26, 2019. (Photo: Long Ren)

Sha Zukang, President of the CPFA, said that Pakistani diplomats provided assistance and support for him throughout his 45-year career as a Chinese diplomat.

Founded in 1956, the CPFA has witnessed many achievements in cooperation with the Pakistani side in various fields. It is expected that China-Pakistan friendship will achieve more with the support of Prime Minister Khan and the Pakistani government, Sha said.

Pakistani Ambassador to China Masood Khalid speaks at the reception. (Photo: Long Ren)

Peoples from both countries share a traditional friendship based on mutual support, noted Pakistani Ambassador to China Masood Khalid in his address.

The Pakistan-China relationship has been moving forward steadily for decades, and Pakistan hopes to enhance the friendship further, said the ambassador.

During the reception, Long Yuxiang was honored with the highest civilian honor of Pakistan. The famous Chinese dance “Thousand Hands Guan Yin” was also performed at the reception.

Long Yuxiang, CICCC’s Executive Chairman presents Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan with a gift. (Photo: Long Ren)

Sha Zukang presents Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan with a Chinese painting created by artist Zhou Zhihui. (Photo: Long Ren)

Group photo. (Photo: Long Ren)