Sino-Pak friendship withstood many tests over years: Fehmida

Speaker National Assembly Dr Fehmida Mirza said on Sunday that the continued political instability in Afghanistan, diplomatic deadlock in the Middle East Peace process and the unresolved issue of Kashmir are major political flashpoints affecting Pakistan, as global economic recession continues to haunt emerging economies.
In her welcome address to the Prime Minister of China Wen Jiabao at the Parliament House, she said that in such daunting political and economic scenario "we are eager to hear from a visionary statesman, whose ideas and efforts have not only ensured China's unrelenting march towards glory but has also earned him the title of "The People's Premier".
"Your respect for cultural diversity, promotion of socialist democracy and firm adherence to the ideals of scientific development have not only earned you the praise of the Chinese people but also from all people-friendly political movements of the world", she said.
Fehmida Mirza said that the Sino-Pak relations were deeply imbedded in the hearts and minds of two nations as friendship had withstood many tests over the years. "In this regard, we will never forget the manner in which our Chinese brothers and sisters responded to the call for help from the flood-affected people of Pakistan despite the fact that their own citizens were facing the same natural calamity," she maintained.
She said, "it is a matter of mutual satisfaction that over the years, such emotional attachment of our two neighbouring countries has translated into a meaningful economic and political partnership, spreading over diverse areas like agriculture, science, technology, industry, defence, education, health and human resource development".
Fehmida Mirza observed that such continued close co-operation and mutuality of interests on all issues was a distinguishing hallmark of relationship.
"Therefore, the address of Chinese Prime Minister to the Parliament has great importance, which takes place at a time when the world as a whole and our region in particular is undergoing serious challenges," she said adding that despite political and economic pressures, our Parliament has made impressive headways towards the attainment of the four political ideals.
While respecting political mandates and diverse ideologies, Parliamentarians have worked in a spirit of reconciliation and co-operation.
"They have, thus, continued to create consensus on all issues of national concern, including the complex issue of tackling terrorism. This year, the Parliament unanimously passed the historic 18th Amendment Bill, which has not only revived the true federal spirit of our Constitution but has also created a much-needed balance of power among various state institutions, Dr Fehmida Mirza said.
In addition, the Parliament has also jointly adopted more than a dozen resolutions, legislative bills and the three annual federal budgets, which has surely given hope and strength to the nation.
"As the Chinese and Pakistani peoples gear up to celebrate 2011 as the 60th Year of Friendship between our two nations, let me assure you, on behalf of all of my colleagues that you will always find us firm and committed in our friendship to the great people of your great country", Speaker National Assembly added.