Pakistan, China's time-tested relationship built on values of mutual respect, trust: PM Imran Khan

• Pakistan and China PMs Imran Khan and Li Keqiang write letters to one another on 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between both countries.
• PM Khan thanks China for its cooperation in supplying vaccine doses to Pakistan. 
• Chinese premier says China and Pakistan are friendly neighbours linked by mountains and waters.

ISLAMABAD: The prime ministers of China and Pakistan while lauding the ongoing progress on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, underscored that stronger bilateral ties will be beneficial for the people of both countries.

Both Prime Minister Imran Khan and Chinese premier Li Keqiang sent congratulatory letters to each other as both the countries observe the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China on Friday.

“I am confident that under your leadership our 'All-Weather Strategic Co-operative Partnership' will further strengthen and flourish creating a brighter and promising future for our people," PM Khan said in his letter to the Chinese premier.

Read more: PM Imran Khan speaks to Chinese counterpart, resolves to strengthen Pak-China relations

“The facts fully demonstrate that there are broad prospects for China and Pakistan to build an even closer community with a shared future in the new era, and will surely bring greater benefits to our two countries and peoples,” Li Keqiang said in his letter.

PM Khan extended felicitations on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan, on the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan.

“21st May 1951, the day when our relations were formally established, has been a watershed moment in our history. Our two people and successive leaderships and governments have made indefatigable efforts to foster, cement, and strengthen our ties,” PM Khan said.

He said the time-tested relationship was built around lasting values of mutual respect, trust, and understanding.

He said both the governments were closely coordinating to celebrate this year in a befitting manner enabling our people to truly understand the depth, breadth and vitality of the Pakistan-China ties.

PM Imran Khan thanks China for supporting Pakistan in fight against COVID-19

The Pakistan premier thanked China for support to fight the COVID-19 pandemic since its outbreak in December 2019. The vaccine and equipment provided by China to contain the pandemic played a crucial role in saving precious human lives in Pakistan, he added.

Read more: COAS Gen Bajwa thanks China for its 'contribution' to Pakistan's fight against COVID-19

He also reiterated Pakistan’s continuous support to China’s efforts to combat the pandemic both at the regional and global level.

“My government is firmly committed to the expeditious completion of CPEC projects which will open up tremendous opportunities for growth and development in the region,” the PM remarked.

'China and Pakistan are friendly neighbours linked by mountains and waters'

Extending felicitations, the Chinese premier said that in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Pakistan had helped each other to overcome difficulties, and achieved new progress for the development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor against the adverse backdrop.

He said China had been consistent to prioritize Pakistan in its foreign policy, and was willing to make joint efforts with Pakistan, to develop the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership to a higher level in the next 70 years.

“China and Pakistan are friendly neighbours linked by mountains and waters. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, both countries have enjoyed firm political mutual trust, close economic cooperation, and ever-increasing people-to-people friendship,” Li Keqiang remarked.