ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan wanted to expand trade and investment ties with China by making optimal use of second phase of China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement and by enhancing industrial cooperation.

In an article penned in Chinese newspaper Global Times, Prime Minister said, “Pakistan can serve as manufacturing base for China and an extension of its industrial and supply chain network.” He in article said, Confucius once paid tribute to friends and friendship in these illuminating words.

“There are three types of good friends, one that is direct and honest, one that is trustworthy, dependable and generous when you need help and one that is knowledgeable and talented to guide you and show you what you can’t see.” China-Pakistan eternal friendship fulfils all three attributes as illustrated by Great Master! Longevity, love and trust aptly describe Pakistan-China friendship. There is no relationship like ours which so deeply touches soul of our people and evokes such strong emotions. Poetic expressions with emotive diction are used to captivate the essence of these fabulous ties.  Nurtured by enthusiasm of our peoples and steered by vision of leadership, seed of Pakistan-China friendship has blossomed into an evergreen tree with deep roots and strong branches. It has withstood vicissitudes of international upheavals and vagaries of domestic changes.

For Pakistan, relations with China form cornerstone of our foreign policy, in China, Pakistan is described as Ba Tie i.e. China’s Iron Brother and elsewhere our ties are appreciated for their unique strength, enduring permanence and unfathomable trust. I would be soon in Beijing on my first bilateral visit after assuming office and that too at an opportune time, soon after successful conclusion of 20th National Congress of Communist Party of China.

Published in The Daily National Courier, October, 31 2022

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