Sir: The recent meeting between the Chief Minister of Punjab Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli in which both sides agreed to take effective measures to promote contacts between Pakistan Muslim League-N and Communist Party of China is another step forward to strengthen ties between the two countries. Moreover, the stress by the Chinese Vice Premier to explore new avenues for strengthening of ties is also a welcome step as it will play a historic role in promoting Pak-China friendship. Pak-China friendship is higher than Himalayas, deeper than ocean, sweeter than honey and stronger than steel. This is the reason that right from energy projects to transport projects, from the construction of Gwadar port to China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), China is always supporting Pakistan at every stage. Pak-China friendship is not only a sign of unity between the two countries but it is a strong bond of mutual trust, tolerance and long lasting confidence which is acknowledged by the whole world. Under the visionary leadership of the Prime Minister of Pakistan Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, the government of Pakistan is making strenuous efforts to strengthen ties between the two countries. To promote strong and durable relations between Pakistan and China, the Punjab government is equally playing an important role. It is hoped that this new era of friendship will prove to be a milestone for the betterment and prosperity of masses at both sides. SYED ALI QASIM Lahore