Webinar on '69th Anniversary of Pakistan-China Diplomatic Relations' - Press Release issued by Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad.

Islamabad -- May 21, 2020 (PPI-OT)

Following is the text of press release issued by Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI)

Quote

"Pakistan and China enjoy a unique relationship, which has grown with the passage of time, and at present it is far more diverse and vibrant, than ever", stated, Mr. Zahoor Ahmed, Additional Secretary (Asia-Pacific), addressing a webinar organized to commemorate 69th Anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

On 21st May, 1951 diplomatic relations were established between Pakistan and China. To mark the occasion, China-Pakistan Study Centre (CPSC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organized a webinar. H.E. Yao Jing, Ambassador of China in Pakistan made keynote remarks, while Mr. Zahoor Ahmed, Additional Secretary (Asia-Pacific) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was the Chief Guest. Panellists included Pakistan's former diplomats who had represented Pakistan in China over the past decades.

Dr. Talat Shabbir in his introductory remarks underlined that during past 69 year's relationship between China and Pakistan withstood changes in international system. Pakistan and China have complete identity of views on all major regional and international issues. He highlighted that CPSC continues to strive towards deepening and promoting Pakistan-China bilateral relationship through research, analyses and outreach activities.

Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, Director-General ISSI, in his welcome remarks, underscored that it is special occasion to mark establishment of diplomatic relations. Projects such as construction of Karakorum Highway, JF-17, FTA-I and II, and CPEC are building blocks that have only strengthened the relationship over the decades. He said work of CPSC and ISSI have assumed greater importance in the age of narrative and it is extremely important for both sides to maintain constant communication and coordination to save the relationship from detractors.

Speaking at the occasion, former foreign secretary Salman Bashir paid tribute to leaders and diplomats who have nurtured the relationship over the decades. He noted that it is truly genuine friendship which cannot be quantified and explained through traditional theories of the international relations. Meanwhile, former diplomat, Raiz Khokhar opined that Pakistan-China relationship is a story of model state-to-state...