In a gesture of camaraderie and cooperation, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar expressed his heartfelt congratulations to China on its 74th National Day. In a statement released on a prominent social media platform, PM Kakar conveyed his felicitations to Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and the entire Chinese nation, emphasizing the deep-rooted friendship between the two nations.
PM Kakar praised Beijing as a stabilizing force for peace and development in the contemporary world, underlining its pivotal role as an “anchor of peace and stability” and an “engine of development and progress.” The warm exchange of greetings signifies the enduring bond between Pakistan and China, often referred to as the “Iron Brothers.”
Warmest felicitations to H.E. President Xi Jinping, H.E. Premier Li Qiang & the Chinese nation on the 74th National Day of People’s Republic of China. Pakistan takes great pride in the achievements of our Iron Brother. In today’s world, China is an anchor of peace & stability as…
— Anwaar ul Haq Kakar (@anwaar_kakar) October 1, 2023
Simultaneously, the interim Information Minister, Murtaza Solangi, extended his congratulations to China via a video message on a microblogging platform. He underscored the shared spirit of festivity that marks China’s National Day and the enduring connection between the peoples of Pakistan and China.
Minister Solangi expressed optimism about the years to come, emphasizing that they would further strengthen the all-weather relationship between the two countries. He highlighted the potential for this enduring partnership to contribute to global peace and prosperity.
Joining in the chorus of well-wishes, Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani extended his heartiest congratulations to Foreign Minister Wang Yi and the Chinese people on their National Day. In a post on the same platform, he celebrated China’s rich history, culture, and achievements and reiterated the commitment to elevate the “iron-clad friendship” between China and Pakistan to greater heights.
This display of goodwill and solidarity comes at a time when Pakistan is navigating a complex international landscape. During an interview with The Washington Post at the 78th United Nations General Assembly session, Premier Kakar emphasized Pakistan’s focus on its own interests while avoiding entanglement in the great power competition.
In a move that reaffirms the robust bond between Pakistan and China, the Export-Import Bank of China (EXIM) recently extended a $2.4 billion loan to Pakistan to help alleviate its economic challenges. Finance Minister Ishaq Dar announced this rollover of funds on the same social media platform, highlighting that Pakistan would make interest payments only in the upcoming fiscal years.
President Xi Jinping’s unwavering support for Pakistan was also echoed during the celebration of the decade of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in July. President Xi reaffirmed China’s steadfast commitment to Pakistan, emphasizing that regardless of changes in the international landscape, China would always stand firmly with Pakistan.
The bilateral ties between China and Pakistan continue to evolve, focusing on extensive cooperation and shared benefits. CPEC, a pivotal project in the Belt and Road Initiative, has seen significant progress, with early achievements reflecting the mutual commitment to high-quality collaboration.
Pakistan’s warm and heartfelt wishes to China on its 74th National Day underscore the enduring friendship and cooperation between these two nations. As they continue to strengthen their partnership, their collaboration holds the promise of contributing to regional and global stability and prosperity.