Forging ahead to enhance China-Pakistan ironclad friendship.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and China's neighborhood policy of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness - both proposed by President Xi Jinping. It also marks the 10th anniversary of the launch of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). In this context, being appointed as the Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, I'm fully aware of the glorious mission with heavy responsibility. Not long ago, I flew over the majestic Karakoram and arrived in Pakistan, a friendly country what we call "iron brother" in China. Even within this short stay, I have already felt the China-Pakistan friendship that is said to be "higher than mountains, deeper than ocean, and sweeter than honey".

China and Pakistan are linked by mountains and rivers, and have enjoyed ever-lasting friendship. During the past 72 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, no matter how the international situation may change, China-Pakistan have always stood side by side in weal and woe. The two countries have rendered each other mutual understanding and mutual support, and forged an ironclad friendship.

In April 2015, Chinese President Xi Jinping paid a historic state visit to Pakistan, during which the two sides elevated China-Pakistan bilateral relations to all-weather strategic cooperative partnership, opening up a new chapter in the development of bilateral ties. Since then, President Xi Jinping has met with Pakistani leaders many times and both sides have reached important consensus, which provides the fundamental principles and action guidelines for the development of bilateral relations.

China-Pakistan relations have maintained a high level of operation and are full of vigor and vitality. Both sides have maintained close high-level exchanges. Not long ago, President Xi Jinping sent a message of congratulations to the 10th anniversary of the CPEC, and dispatched his Special Representative, Vice Premier of the State Council of China Mr. He Lifeng to visit Pakistan for the celebration. It fully demonstrates the great importance attached to China-Pakistan relations by our leaders. The Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative and Global Civilization Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping have received positive response in Pakistan.

The strong guidance of the leaders has set the direction for the development of China-Pakistan relations and steer the way forging ahead. China-Pakistan practical...