NATION, LAHORE - Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif on Tuesday said that Pak-China bilateral ties are time tested

and they would strengthen further with the passage of time.

Speaking at the 60th anniversary of China’s National Day at the CM Secretariat, Shahbaz said that Pak-China had been enjoying a deep-rooted cordial and mutual relations for the last 60 years and leaders of both the countries often described them as higher than the Himalayas and deeper than the oceans.

Luo Zhaohui, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, and a number of Chinese and Pakistan dignitaries as well US Consulate Principal Officer Carmela A Conroy were present on the occasion. Counting air-route to China by PIA, the Karakorum Highway, Gwadar Port, heavy mechanical complex, heavy electrical complex, heavy foundry and forge, Saindak Copper Mining Complex, two Chashma Nuclear Power Plants among many other strategic projects as symbol of friendship between China and Pakistan, Shahbaz Sharif said that economic relations between the two countries had been growing as more than 50 Chinese companies were successfully operating in various sectors and making valuable contribution to the GDP, transfer of technology, employment opportunity and general economic activity in Pakistan. He said it was a great honour for the Punjab government that Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan had graced the important occasion with his presence.

Luo Zhaohni, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, on this occasion said that “Pakistan is the only country in the world which always not only supported but backed China on all global issues”. “Pakistan is the most important country for China as we always attached great importance to our decades long bilateral relations in every sphere of life,” he said and hoped that this ever-lasting bilateral relations would further strengthen in future.

The celebrations of 60th Years of modern China were fraught with the sentiments of love and friendship by both Pakistani and Chinese participants. The proceedings started from national anthems .

CM Punjab and Chinese Ambassador cut the cake at the conclusion of the speeches.