ISLAMABAD: The year 2011 marked the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan, and is designated as the Year of China-Pakistan Friendship, said Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Liu Jian.
In an article, the Chinese ambassador said, "Ever since the launching ceremony held by our Embassy and Pakistan Foreign Ministry on January 1st, a lively and grand spectacle of joint celebrations has been unveiled, during which we have witnessed hundreds of activities and interactions in various fields, at every inch of land, and among all walks of life.
At this glorious juncture, I have every good reason to review the history of China-Pakistan friendship, which is indeed a time- honored brotherhood, regardless of changes in the international situation or in each other's domestic affairs."
Pakistan was one of the first countries to recognize New China.
In the 1950s and 60s, when China was suffering from Western blockade, it was Pakistan that opened an air corridor linking China to the outside world.
In the early 1970s, it was Pakistan that supported China to restore its lawful seat in the UN, and served as a bridge for the normalization of Sino-US relations. On China's core issues such as Taiwan, Tibet, and the fight against three evils, it is Pakistan that has extended its valuable support at all times.
On the other part, China has always sided with Pakistan in its struggle for national sovereignty and independence, and for economic and social development.
The mega projects of Karakoram Highway (KKH), Heavy Mechanical Complex at Taxila, and Chashma nuclear plant and the Pak-China Friendship Center, are the monuments of the ever-spiking friendship.
Over six decades of interactions and cooperation, China- Pakistan relationship, termed as "higher than mountains, deeper than oceans and sweeter than honey", is an exemplary model of harmonious co-existence between countries with different social systems and cultures.
The ambassador said, "In my view, there are four main factors contribute to this unprecedented bilateral relation. First, China and Pakistan strictly abide by the Five Principles of Peaceful Co- existence, highly respect, equally treat and sincerely trust each other.
Second, we always wholeheartedly help each other whenever in difficulties and forge ahead with joint hands through thick and thin. Third, China and Pakistan maintain close coordination on major international and regional issues, and in safeguarding regional peace and stability."
Today, the development of China-Pakistan relationship has gained strong momentum and achieved steady progress comprehensively, featured with strong strategic partnership, robust economic cooperation and ever-closer people to people connections. This kind of all-weather relationship is fully embodied in this year's celebrations.
Our special bonds are highlighted by the frequent interactions between our leaders, governments, legislatures, and political parties.
On May 21st, our leaders exchanged congratulatory messages on the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties. Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani have paid their 7th and 4th visit to China respectively this year. Our two prime ministers also met on the sidelines of 10th meeting of Heads of Government of Shanghai Cooperation Organization in St.Petersburg.
Other prominent exchanges include the visits to China by Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Wynne, Foreign Minister Khar, Information Minister Awan, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Chairman PPP Bilawal Zardari, and Chairman PTI Imran Khan.
Meanwhile, Chinese State Councilor Meng Jianzhu, Special Envoy of Chinese Government Wang Chen, and a number of minister-level delegations, all contribute to the high-level mutual trust and coordination on major issues of common concerns.
This year also witnessed sound development of economic and trade cooperation between the two countries. China has been Pakistan's second largest trade partner.
The bilateral trade volume up to October stood at $8.5 billion, an increase of 23.9% over the same period of last year. China now is Pakistan's largest trading partner, the largest exporter and fourth largest importer."
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