Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Saturday celebrated Pakistan and China’s ‘enduring friendship’ at the launch ceremony of the Urdu translation of The Governance of China, a book by Chinese premier Xi Jinping.
The book is a 516-page collection of 79 of Jinping’s speeches, interviews, instructions and correspondence. It includes 45 biographical pictures, while its chapters look at China’s economic development, ecology and an unfolding anti-corruption campaign.
China’s Ambassador Sun Weidong, who was present at the occasion, described the book as a Jinping’s manifesto for the governance of China and a history of the country’s standout achievements.
He said the book was “reflective of the vision of President Xi Jinping”.
Noting that both countries had promoted the dream of maintaining “everlasting diplomatic relations” with equality, trust and respect, Weidong said the relationship was not only time-tested, but has maintained the momentum of development as well.
Echoing those sentiments, PM Sharif said Pakistan and China enjoy a special and strategic partnership.
“We cherish President Xi’s unfailing love and affection for Pakistan, which he [has] showed when he visited Pakistan two years ago and also on many other occasions,” he added.
“We applauded and endorsed the One Belt, One Road initiative and we are proud that together with China, we are implementing its flagship mega project — China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC),” he added.
The prime minister said people ask what the secret ingredient of this “phenomenal undertaking” is, and that he believes that it is “true friendship and mutual trust between China and Pakistan”.
“Lets build on that successful experiment of cooperation and connectivity and propagate its merits,” he added.
He said Pakistan was developing into a connective mode for multiple neighborhoods and added that: “we are determined to realise the full potential of this miracle with the staunch support of trusted ally and partner China.”
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif termed CPEC a symbol and icon for togetherness. “It threatens no one, it benefits all, most of all the common man who shall see a boom in jobs and businesses and a positive change in their lives.”
