China's Minister of Transport, Li Xiaopeng was the chief guest while diplomats belonging to various friendly countries, senior Chinese and Pakistani officials, Pakistani businessmen and students attended the reception.
While warmly congratulating leadership and people of Pakistan on the Pakistan Day, Li Xiaopeng said, as close and deep rooted friend of Pakistan and its people, China was very happy to witness economic progress and development in Pakistan.
He said, China has been maintaining its exemplary relations with Pakistan since its independence. Â Â Â In recent years, the way Pakistan and its people showed their firm resolve and commitment against extremism and terrorism and rendered sacrifices were appreciable.
He said, "The exemplary and longstanding friendship between China and Pakistan and the cooperation for economic development and common prosperity was a model for other nations."
Li said, Chinese President Xi Jinping during his state visit to Pakistan in 2015 signed several agreements and translated the all weather friendship and strategic relations in to economic cooperation and partnership.
During the last two year, a number of energy, roads and infrastructure development projects were being completed in Pakistan under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) framework, a flagship project of One Belt One Road Initiative launched by Chinese President Xi Jinping.
He said, China would continue to give priority to China-Pakistan relations and work together with Pakistan to further enhance and cement existing bonds.
The Chinese Minister said, the economic cooperation between both brotherly countries was not only for mutual benefit but it would bring prosperity in the entire region as this initiative was meant for shared prosperity and common development.
Welcoming the distinguished gathering, Pakistan Ambassador to China, Masood Khalid said, "Pakistan Day is celebrated every year on March 23 to pay homage to the founders of Pakistan."
He said, under the visionary and dynamic leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Jinnah, Muslims of Sub-continent were able to realize dream of Pakistan. About Pak-China relations and friendship, he said, it was nothing more important than a true friend, adding Pak and China were maintaining exemplary diplomatic and friendly relations.
Prime Minister Nawaz Shairf and Chinese President Xi-Jinping converted these the existing friendship into strong economic cooperation based on mutual benefits and shared prosperity, he added.
He said, President Xi Jinping's One Belt One Road Initiative was launched for the regional economic development through connectivity.
The CPEC, the flagship project of One Belt One Road Initiative had elevated Pak-China all weather friendship and cooperation, adding, under the CPEC, projects worth US 46 billion were being completed in Pakistan. He said, more than 19,000 Chinese nationals were working on different development projects in Pakistan under safe and secure environment. The Ambassador informed that number of Pakistani students studying in China was increasing every year.
Later, a Chinese cultural troupe enthralled the participants with its performance. A Chinese singer also presented a number of Pakistan?s national songs which were applauded by the audience.