Pakistan and China have kicked off celebrations to mark 70 years of friendship and extensive cooperation between the two neighboring countries.
The celebrations were kicked off virtually and were attended by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Chinese State Councilor Wang Yi.
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“The year 2021 marks the completion of 70 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and the People’s Republic of China, established on 21 May 1951. To formally commence the 70th anniversary celebrations, a virtual ceremony will be simultaneously held in Islamabad and Beijing on 2 March 2021,” said MoFA.
The celebrations of #PakChinaAt70 were formally commenced today. FM @SMQureshiPTI and FM Wang Yi launched the logo of these celebrations.@MFA_China#Celebrating7Decades pic.twitter.com/qRy4sW6YRD
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) March 2, 2021
Honoured to join my brother, State Councilor & FM #WangYi for the launch of #PakChinaAt70 anniversary celebrations at a virtual ceremony held simultaneously in Islamabad & Beijing and to unveil our commemorative logo celebrating this historic milestone. Iron Brothers! 🇵🇰 🇨🇳 pic.twitter.com/kPuTYgSwfx
— Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) March 2, 2021
Both countries will be organizing a series of events throughout the year to commemorate this historic milestone in a befitting manner.
More than 100 such activities, events are planned to commemorate the occasion with several high-level delegations, seminars, exhibitions and others.
Pak-China Relations, A Brief Overview
Pakistan has a long and strong relationship with China. The long-standing ties between the two countries have been mutually beneficial. A close identity of views and mutual interests remain the center-point of bilateral ties.
Diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China were established on 21 May 1951. The Chinese leadership has acknowledged Pakistan’s steadfast support on key issues. Pakistan helped China in reestablishing formal ties with the West, where they helped make possible the 1972 Nixon visit to China.
China also has a consistent record of supporting Pakistan in regional issues. Pakistan’s military depends heavily on Chinese armaments, and joint projects of both economic and militaristic importance are ongoing.
China has also supported Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir issue asking India to end illegal occupation of the Muslim majority valley.
China also remains the primary defence equipment supplier for Pakistan as the two countries share extensive military and security cooperation.
China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is another significant milestone of Pak-China relations. is a collection of infrastructure projects that are under construction throughout Pakistan since 2013.
Initially valued at U$47 Billion, the value of CPEC projects is worth $62 Billion as of 2020. CPEC is intended to rapidly upgrade required infrastructure and strengthen its economy by the construction of modern transportation networks, numerous energy projects, and special economic zones.
