Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Speaker of the National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, on Tuesday said that 67 years ago People’s Republic of China emerged on the international scene as a voice for the oppressed and marginalised nations all over the world.

He further added that Pakistan takes the pride in being the first nation in the world to recognise the establishment of the People’s Republic of China and building diplomatic relations with them. He said this at a dinner, hosted by Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong in Islamabad to observe the 67th National Day of People’s Republic of China, which falls on October 1.

The speaker said that the Sino-Pak agreement, between the two countries, was based on firm foundations of mutual respect, trust and peaceful co-existence. “We firmly stood by each other in thick and thin and that is why the friendship has survived for so long, he added.

He said that the Pak-China strategic partnership is highly essential for peace and development in the region. While referring to the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a game changer project for regional development, he said that the CPEC is a manifestation of the shared dream, which was to bring prosperity to the region.

The speaker appreciated the efforts of the Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong, for his support for the Green Parliament Project and for all of his efforts in enhancing ties between China and Pakistan.

He said that relations with China is the bedrock of Pakistan’s foreign policy and further added that Pakistan and China are committed to an all-encompassing and enduring partnership to support each other at international and regional forums.