PROVINCE REPORT
KARACHI: The Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Karachi has organized a seminar to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, highlighting the longstanding partnership and expanding cooperation between the two countries.
The event was attended by Chinese Consul General Yang Yundong, Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Liaison Office Karachi Irfan Soomro, Chairperson KCFR, Nadra Panjwani, Dr. Junaid Ahmed, Farooq Afzal, FPCCI Senior Vice President, and Vice Chancellor of Ziauddin University Muhammad Ali Shaikh, diplomats, academics, members of the business community, media representatives and civil society members.
Addressing the seminar, Consul General Yang Yundong described China-Pakistan relations as a model of peaceful coexistence, strategic trust and mutually beneficial cooperation. He said the friendship between the two countries had withstood the test of time and evolving international circumstances.
Reflecting on his more than three-year tenure in Karachi, which is drawing to a close, Yang expressed gratitude for the support and goodwill extended by the people of Pakistan. He said bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, culture and people-to-people exchanges had continued to grow despite various challenges.
The consul general noted that exchanges involving parliamentarians, journalists, students, academics and think tank representatives had helped strengthen mutual understanding between the two countries. He also highlighted public welfare initiatives undertaken by the Chinese Consulate General, including scholarship programmes, solar streetlight projects and donations of medical supplies.
Reviewing the history of bilateral relations, Yang recalled that diplomatic ties were formally established 75 years ago and had since developed into what both countries describe as an “all-weather strategic cooperative partnership.” He referred to key milestones, including high-level exchanges, the 1963 China-Pakistan Boundary Agreement and Pakistan’s support for the restoration of China’s seat at the United Nations.
The Chinese diplomat said Pakistan’s adherence to the One-China principle and China’s support for Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity had contributed to a high degree of political trust between the two countries.
Highlighting economic cooperation, Yang said the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project under China’s Belt and Road Initiative, had entered a new phase of high-quality development. According to him, the project has contributed to infrastructure development, industrial growth and regional connectivity in Pakistan.
He also referred to recent visits by President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to China, saying the exchanges had helped advance consensus on further strengthening bilateral cooperation.
DG MOFA Liaison Office Irfan Soomro said Pakistan was the first country who recognized China and both countries always stood with each other since last 75 years. The friendship between Pakistan and China has taken the shape of strong bonds. He also referred President Asif Ali Zardari and the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visits to China and said such visits are manifestation of all weather friendship between two countries.
Muhammad Ali Shaikh, FPCCI representatives and others also spoke in the occasion.Participants at the seminar paid tribute to the enduring partnership between Pakistan and China and acknowledged the significance of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
