Visiting Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji Sunday spoke highly of the time-tested China-pakistan relations and expressed appreciation to Pakistan's continuous support to China in both domestic affairs and international arena for decades while he hoped for strengthening bilateral relations.
In his speech at a grand reception hosted by the Municipal government of Lahore, capital of Punjab province, Zhu said the friendship between the Chinese and Pakistani peoples has a long history which could be traced to over 2,000 years ago when the world-renowned Silk Road linked the two sides together.
He noted that Pakistan was among the earliest countries to establish diplomatic relations with New China, saying "We will never forget it is our Pakistani friends who provided us the airway leading to the rest of the world at our most difficult times. Neither shall we forget it is our Pakistani friends who gave us firm support when China's legitimate seat was restored at the U.N. Nor shall we forget it is our Pakistani friends again who uphold justice and lend China consistent and invaluable support on issues bearing on China's sovereign interests such as human rights, the questions of Taiwan and of Tibet."
He quoted an ancient Chinese saying that "It takes high winds to know the strength of the grass," and "It takes time to know the heart of a man" to describe the unbreakable friendship forged between the Chinese and Pakistani peoples in the ever-changing international environment. "Such model relationship of good- neighborliness not only brings benefits to our two peoples but also contributes to peace and development in South Asia and the world at large," said Zhu.
In regard to furthering China-Pakistan relations, Zhu said the two sides have to adhere to the Five Principles for Peaceful Co- existence, to continue promoting the spirit of seeking common ground while shelving differences, as well as to expand bilateral economic cooperation and trade under the principle of reciprocity and mutual benefit, so as to be mutually complementary and achieve common prosperity.
He said, "It is a shared objective and responsibility for China and Pakistan to seek peace and boost development, and China is ready to join hands with Pakistan and make unremitting efforts to build a bright future for the all-round friendly relations and cooperation between our two countries in the 21st century."
Zhu concluded his speech by expressing the hope for the continuing of the China-Pakistan friendship from generation to generation.
Muhammad Safdar, governor of Punjab, and Yasub Ali Dogar, administrator of Lahore City, were present at the reception.
(People's Daily 05/14/2001)
