ISLAMABAD May 21 (APP) Parliamentarians, politicians, ministers, diplomats, writers, intellectuals, artists and senior government officials were together at the 55 year celebrations function organized by Chinese embassy here at local hotel.

 

Chinese ambassador Zhang Chunxiang organized the dinner reception to celebrate the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

 

Chairman Senate Muhammadmian Soomro was the chief guest while it was also attended by Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri, Minister for Religious Affairs Ejaz ul Haq.

 

Speaking as chief guest, Chairman Senate Muhammadmian Soomro said that Pak-China relations are time-tested as they are based on mutual respect and these ties have been grown tremendously in last 55 years.

 

Soomro emphasised the need to have more exchange of delegations of parliamentarians, intellectuals, writers and journalists to have more people-to-people contact.

 

He said both the countries have unanimity of views on many international and regional issues, and Pakistan and China are close friends and working together for regional peace and security.

 

He also appreciated the efforts of Pakistani and Chinese leaders who played important role in bringing together the two countries for establishing strong economic, trade, defence, cultural and people-to- people relations.

 

Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri speaking on the occasion said Sino-Pak friendship is time-tested, and for all seasons.

 

He said it has withstood changes in the international and regional environment and is based on trust, mutual understanding and shared aspirations for peace and progress in the region. Kasuri said Pak-China friendship has now blossomed into an all comprehensive partnership for development and prosperity of the peoples of two countries.

 

The Foreign Minister said, "As trusted friends and neighbours, both Pakistan and China are determined to expand the horizons of mutually beneficial cooperation in all spheres of peace, progress and prosperity."

 

He said the leadership of both the countries is sincere and determined to take the friendship to ever-new heights.

 

The Minister said the close cooperative relations between Pakistan and China will grow in strength with every passing year.

 

He said from Karakoram to Gwadar and from heavy mechanical complex to Chashma, the symbols of Pak-China friendship are visible all over Pakistan. He said the number of agreements, declarations, and MoUs signed and projects that have been undertaken between the two sides stand testimony to the multi-faceted and profound relationship between the two countries.

 

Referring to the efforts of former leaders of Pakistan and China, particularly Chairman Mao, the Foreign Minister said they played important role to bring together the two neighbours. He said it is an occasion to pay tributes to the founders of two countries who were the chief architects of Pak-China friendship.

 

He said the relations between Pakistan and China is indeed a sacred trust passed on to the people by the previous generations.

 

Kasuri said, "Pakistan-China friendship is rooted in the ethos of our people. It evokes spontaneous respect and admiration and touches a receptive chord in every heart that resonates and energize this unique relationship."

 

The Foreign Minister said China's development is a source of pride and joy for the people of Pakistan and added, "We wish to see an even stronger and more prosperous China."

 

An important thing of the reception was two hour long cultural programme presented by the Chinese Cultural troupe especially came from Xinjiang Uygur Region.

 

Singers and dancers from Xinjiang presented various classical dances and songs of their province. The jam-packed hall of the local hotel appreciated the performance of the Chinese Cultural troupe especially when their leading singer presented some songs in Urdu language, including 'Main be Pakistan Hun Tu be Pakistan Hai'.