Chinese ambassador highlights Pak-China ties at a celebratory event

Islamabad, January 2025 – The Chinese Embassy in Pakistan hosted a vibrant celebration to mark the Lunar New Year, with Ambassador Jiang Zaidong delivering an thought-provoking speech that underscored the enduring friendship and collaborative progress between China and Pakistan. The event brought together dignitaries, including Mr. Syed Tariq Fatemi, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, along with a diverse array of attendees from both nations.

In his address, Ambassador Jiang expressed his heartfelt gratitude to those who cherish traditional Chinese culture and actively contribute to strengthening China-Pakistan ties. He reflected on the remarkable achievements of 2024, a landmark year marking the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Despite global challenges, China achieved significant milestones, with its GDP exceeding 134.9 trillion yuan, representing a 5% year-on-year increase. The nation made notable advancements in technology, with record-breaking production and sales of new energy vehicles, and bolstered its position in global trade, with total trade with Belt and Road Initiative partner countries surpassing 22 trillion yuan.

Ambassador Jiang highlighted China’s growing international influence, emphasizing its efforts to foster global cooperation through initiatives within organizations such as the SCO, BRICS, and the United Nations. These achievements, he said, stem from the visionary leadership of President Xi Jinping and the guiding principles of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.

Turning to Pakistan, Ambassador Jiang commended the country’s progress in economic and social development, particularly under its “5Es” Framework, a five-year economic transformation plan. He acknowledged Pakistan’s economic resilience, citing GDP growth of 3.5%, the highest current account surplus in 15 years, and a significant reduction in inflation. He also noted Pakistan’s enhanced role on the international stage, including its successful hosting of the SCO Heads of Government Meeting and its position as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.

The Ambassador celebrated the deepening of China-Pakistan relations over the past year. He highlighted key milestones, including the year-round opening of the Khunjerab Pass, the groundbreaking of Chashma Nuclear Power Plant Unit 5, the successful launch of a Pakistani satellite by China, and the operationalization of the new Gwadar International Airport. These accomplishments, he said, reflect the resilience and breadth of China-Pakistan cooperation, spanning both CPEC and non-CPEC projects, and demonstrate the shared commitment to fostering mutual prosperity.

Ambassador Jiang also emphasized the cultural significance of the Spring Festival, a time of renewal, family unity, and peace. Recognized by the United Nations and UNESCO, the festival has become a global cultural symbol, embodying China’s values of harmony and fostering greater cultural exchanges worldwide. He invited Pakistani friends to join in the celebrations, sharing the warmth and joy of the Lunar New Year while looking forward to a brighter future together.

Concluding his address, Ambassador Jiang reaffirmed China’s unwavering support for Pakistan and expressed his hope for closer cooperation in the Year of the Snake, a symbol of wisdom, agility, and resilience in Chinese culture. He expressed confidence that, through collective efforts, China and Pakistan would continue to achieve new milestones and deepen their bond of friendship.

“May China and Pakistan enjoy peace and prosperity, and may our friendship last forever,” he said, extending his heartfelt wishes for a joyful Spring Festival and a successful year ahead.