Sino-Pak ties to be taken to new heights
Pakistan: President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday renewed the
Government’s commitment to take Sino-Pak friendship to new heights this
year, which marks the 60th anniversary of their bilateral ties. Speaking
to a Chinese youth delegation here, he said from year to year,
Pakistan-China friendship has grown from strength to strength and it has
withstood the test of time and has endured changes at the regional and
global level. Welcoming members of the delegation on their visit to
Pakistan, he said Pakistan and China share a friendship that is rooted
in history.
The President said Gandhara civilization links Pakistan and China in
common cultural linkages. Silk Route has connected the two countries
through centuries. “Our peoples have waged similar struggles against the
forces of oppression. We share common outlook on major international
issues.”
He said Pakistan People’s Party is especially proud that the
foundations of friendship in modern times were laid by the founding
Chairman Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Chairman Mao. Successive
governments in Pakistan led by different political parties and leaders
have contributed to further strengthening this relationship, he said
adding friendship between the two countries is beyond party politics.
Shaheed Benazir Bhutto made great efforts for further development of Pak
China relations and as the Co-Chairperson of Pakistan People’s Party, he
felt honored to follow in the footsteps of the Shaheed leaders, the
President added.
He said developing countries in the region and beyond have much to
learn from China’s experience and Pakistan and China together can
greatly contribute to the economic development of the region. The
President said Pakistan is strategically located and it offers easy
access to three regions of the world - South Asia, Central Asia and West
Asia. Pakistan provides the shortest access to the sea for all the
landlocked countries of Central Asia as well as to western China, he
added. Pakistan with a population of 180 million is a huge market in
itself and because of its strategic location Pakistan provides direct
land connectivity to four major regions of South Asia, West Asia,
Central Asia and China.
It is also well placed for outreach to the Middle East, Africa and
beyond.
President Zardari said Pakistan is in the forefront of global war
against terror and “recently we were also hit by the history’s worst
floods. Despite these difficulties we are building our economy on sound
footing.”Enumerating economic achievements of the government,” President
Zardari said Pakistan’s agricultural and industrial productivity is
growing, exports particularly to China have grown more than 25% last
year and this year the growth is more than 36%.
He said mechanisms are put in place for poverty alleviation and
Pakistan has a dynamic, intelligent and vibrant youth.
KARACHI, APP:
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