Ambassador of China, Mr Jiang Zaidong on Wednesday strongly condemned terrorist attack that took place earlier in the day in Khuzdar (Balochistan) on a school bus claiming lives of six persons—four girl students, the bus driver and the helper— and leaving several injured.
“We are saddened to learn that a terrorist attack on a school bus took place in Balochistan, strongly condemn it and express our deepest condolences to the deceased and sincere sympathy to the injured and the bereaved families.
China opposes all forms of terrorism and will continue to firmly support Pakistan in advancing counter-terrorism operations, maintaining social stability, and protecting the safety of the people,” the ambassador said.
He was addressing an event marking the 74th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan held at Silk Road Cultural Centre.
Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq was the Chief Guest on the occasion.
An exhibition of traditional Chinese art, craft, music, display of the Chinese instruments and above all various types of tea that was being served live and performance by the Chinese artists were some of the highlights of the festivities marking 74th anniversary of the establishment of China-Pakistan diplomatic relations (May 21, 1951).
About China-Pakistan diplomatic relations, the Chinese ambassador said “On May 21, 1951, China and Pakistan established the diplomatic relations, ushering in a new era in the millennia-old exchanges between the two peoples.”
Over the past 74 years, China and Pakistan have forged an all-weather friendship, achieved comprehensive cooperation, and set a shining example for state-to-state relations, the ambassador said.
China, the ambassador said, has always resolutely supported Pakistan in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity, pursuing a development path suited to national conditions, combating terrorism with determination, and maintaining unity and stability to achieve development and prosperity.
Pakistan has consistently adhered to the one-China principle, standing firmly with China on issues concerning our core interests.
On CPEC, the ambassador said the Silk Road Spirit is still alive and we have joined hands in pursuing common development.
“The Silkroad Culture Center where we stand today reminds us of the Silk Road Spirit, characterized by peace and cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, mutual learning and benefit,” said the ambassador.
The CPEC and BRI have fully reflected this spirit.
On business and trade he was of the view that China has been Pakistan’s largest trading partner for ten consecutive years, consistently serving as the largest source of imports, the second-largest export destination, and also the primary source of foreign investment.
The ambassador concluded his speech by saying “At the new historical point, we will follow the strategic direction charted by President Xi Jinping and Pakistani leaders, stand shoulder to shoulder with our friends, commit to accelerating the building of an even closer China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future in the New Era, and jointly create a brighter future for China-Pakistan relations.”
In his speech Sardar Ayaz Sadiq also condemned the bus attack.
“In this moment of grief, we find strength and solace in enduring friendship with China,” said Sardar Ayaz Sadiq expressing commitment to hunt down and eradicate the perpetrators of the heinous attack.
He recalled President Xi Jinping’s historic visit to Pakistan ten years ago and his address to the Joint Session of the National Assembly.
“I still remember that session as I was presiding when President Xi emphasized friendly relations between Pakistan and China spanning over decades.
The recent Pak-India conflict has significantly enhanced and demonstrated the already strong bond of friendship between Pakistan and China as the Chinese-made aircrafts and missiles worked wonders for Pakistan, he said.
By following the BRI vision of President Xi, we can achieve the goal of economic integration and regional connectivity as for Pakistan CPEC is a blueprint of national prosperity, concluded NA Speaker.
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