President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday extended heartfelt congratulations to the governments and peoples of Pakistan and China on the occasion of the 74th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
In a statement issued here, the president said that Pakistan highly valued its historic and time-tested relationship with China, adding that ties with China remained a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy.
President Zardari said that over the past seven decades, bilateral relations between the two brotherly nations had grown from strength to strength, evolving into a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. He described Pakistan and China as “iron brothers” bound by an all-weather friendship. “Pakistan is a staunch supporter of the ‘One China’ policy and will continue to stand firmly with China on its core national interests,” he added.
The president expressed gratitude to the government and people of China for consistently supporting Pakistan in times of need. He lauded China’s vital role in Pakistan’s economic and social development, as well as in strengthening Pakistan’s defence sector.
