Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: China on Monday reiterated its call for the world to acknowledge Pakistan’s efforts and sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.

“Fighting against terrorism is a strategic decision of Pakistan. The great efforts and national sacrifices made by Pakistan for the cause of international counter-terrorism should be fully understood and acknowledged by the international community,” Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong told a reception on the occasion of 68th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China organised here at a local hotel. Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani was the chief guest on the occasion.

The ambassador said his country firmly supports Pakistan in implementing its counter-terrorism strategy based on its own national conditions. “We will, as always, support Pakistan’s efforts in safeguarding its national sovereignty and security,” he said.

“I have been working in Pakistan for more than four years. I have witnessed economic and social development of Pakistan … and the improvement of security situation in the country. We congratulate Pakistan on these remarkable achievements,” he told the gathering comprising federal ministers, diplomats, high-ranking civilian and military officials and businessmen.

The ambassador said China always puts relationship with Pakistan as priority of its foreign policy and will unswervingly deepen the bilateral all-weather strategic partnership besides supporting Pakistan’s efforts in safeguarding its sovereignty and dignity.

On the state of bilateral relations, the ambassador said cooperation between the two countries has developed vigorously in the fields of trade and investment, culture, science and technology, education, defense and security. “We witnessed more and more people-to-people contacts. We maintained close coordination in major international and regional affairs. China-Pakistan relations are full of opportunities and vitality,” he said.

The ambassador said construction of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor has entered into the stage of ‘Early Harvest’. The CPEC has been playing an important role for Pakistan’s economic and social development and has brought great benefits to the two nations, he added.

The ambassador said in 2015, President Xi Jinping paid a historic state visit to Pakistan and opened the golden age of grand development of bilateral relations. He said China-Pakistan ties are a model of state-to-state relations. “No matter in past, at present or in future, China and Pakistan are always good neighbours, friends, partners and brothers,” he maintained.

He said China has always adhered to the path of peaceful development by advancing the reforms process and opening up to the world while promoting mutual beneficial and win-win cooperation. “The world is undergoing profound changes. Peace and development remain the theme of the times.”

The ambassador said in the past five years, China has made great achievements under the leadership of President Xi Jinping. China has been the second largest economy and it enjoyed a 6.9% economic growth in the first half of this year, he said. In the past 10 years, China has contributed to over 30% of global annual growth, he said. “We are full of confidence about the bright future of China’s development. China is committed to offering its wisdom and solution to address the world problems.”

The ambassador said that Beijing believes in global cooperation while preferring dialogue over confrontation and partnership over alliance. “We call on building new type of international relations … featured by win-win cooperation. These claims have gained more and more recognition and support among the international community.”

He said next month, the Communist Party of China will convene its 19th National Congress which will be of most importance in China’s political life this year. “Chinese people are striving for the Two Centenary Goals. We will build a moderately prosperous society by 2020. We are also taking confidence in building China into a modern socialist country by the middle of this century. We will definitely realise the dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.”

The ambassador said a prosperous and strong China will make even greater contribution to world peace and development. “We would like to share with the world our development opportunities. We are also ready to make joint efforts with all the countries to build the community of shared prosperity for mankind.”

Published in Daily Times, September 26^th 2017.