Chinese medical experts share their experiences fighting COVID-19 with their Pakistani counterparts at the Pak Emirates Military Hospital (PEMH) in Rawalpindi, eastern Pakistan's Punjab province, April 1, 2020. [Photo/Xinhua]
Bilateral relations forged in the crucible of time
Pakistani President Arif Alvi visited China at a very special juncture, when the Chinese government and Chinese people were making all-out efforts to bring the outbreak under control.
The ambassador explained, "The purpose of [the president's] visit was to reiterate Pakistan's firm solidarity and unflinching support to our 'iron brother' in this challenging time, express condolences with the bereaved families, and pay tribute to the courage and determination of the Chinese people for putting-up a heroic fight against the viral epidemic."
"The president's visit was also a reaffirmation of our 'all-weather strategic cooperative partnership' and a resounding declaration that Pakistan-China ties remain unaffected by domestic challenges or adverse global upheavals," added the ambassador.
Next year, Pakistan and China will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic ties. The ambassador said that this would be a special moment to celebrate past achievements and renew the pledge to take their friendship to new heights.
"I foresee more robust, inclusive and all-encompassing relations between our two countries in the future, which would not only serve the best interests of our two countries but would also ensure peace, stability and prosperity in the entire region," said the ambassador.
International cooperation urged for global community
COVID-19 is viewed as the most serious challenge to the global community since World War II. This crisis could deal a debilitating blow to international economic growth, regional integration and the onward march of globalization.
However, as the pandemic has spread far and wide, xenophobia, discrimination and stigmatization have also been exposed across the world. The ambassador emphasized the need to be very watchful of this scenario.
"China has succeeded in turning the tide against the viral epidemic and restored normalcy in the entire country. And now, China is generously sharing its expertise, equipment and experience with the international community to combat the epidemic." The ambassador stressed that the current situation called for greater international coordination and cooperation among the global community to curb and comprehensively eliminate this menace.
"This crisis should be a moment of reflection for us to revisit and review our previous concepts about issues of transnational health, environment, and economics, and reform them in the light of emergent realities for the benefit of the entire humanity."
"Perhaps, this crisis – colossal as it may be – reaffirms our resolve in multilateralism and bestows world leaders with the clarity and courage to shun isolationism for good, and renew faith in joint efforts for a shared and prosperous future for all," concluded the ambassador.
