ISLAMABAD, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Nomatter how the regional and international landscapes may evolve, and whatchallenges and risks may arise, China will continue to work with Pakistan tocement their ironclad friendship, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign MinisterWang Yi said in a signed article published on a Pakistani newspaper Tuesday.
This year marks the 70th anniversaryof the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. Wangsaid that in a world of drastic changes unseen in a century, deepeningChina-Pakistan strategic cooperation is the natural option, and China willcontinue to work with Pakistan to build an even closer community with a sharedfuture in the new era, according to the article titled "An IroncladFriendship Growing Stronger in the New Era."
In the article published on TheExpress Tribune, Wang said that "the two countries have stood together,rain or shine, and built an exceptional, ironclad friendship" in the sevendecades since the diplomatic relations were established in 1951, which hasbecome a strategic asset, most dearly cherished by both sides.
Wang noted that the China-Pakistanfriendship has a time-honored history, enjoys a solid foundation and has deeproots among the two peoples. "In times of hardship, one always extends ahelping hand to the other as early as possible. Such mutual support andassistance have no strings attached, and are pure acts of goodwill andfriendship," he said.
Wang said the high-level exchangesbetween the two countries are frequent while the practical cooperation isfruitful. Under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, "70 early-harvestprojects have been identified, among which 46 have been launched or completed.A total of $25.4 billion has been invested, creating 70,000 jobs forPakistan," he said.
Wang said the people-to-peopleexchanges between the two countries are booming, the cooperation onmultilateral occasions is close and the friendship has withstood the test ofthe sudden onslaught of COVID-19, and has emerged even stronger.
"During this year, China andPakistan will inaugurate grand and warm celebrations to honor the 70thanniversary of diplomatic relations, including high-level visits, businessexchanges and cultural activities," Wang added.
On Tuesday, a virtual ceremony wassimultaneously held in China and Pakistan to formally commence the celebrationsof the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
"Both countries will be organizing a series of events throughoutthe year to commemorate this historic milestone in a befitting manner,"the Foreign Ministry of Pakistan said on Monday.
