ISLAMABAD, MAY 26 (DNA) – “Pakistan and China enjoy a unique relationship, which has grown with the passage of time, and at present it is far more diverse and vibrant, than ever.”

This was stated by  Zahoor Ahmed, Additional Secretary (Asia-Pacific), addressing a webinar organized to commemorate 69th Anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

On 21st May, 1951 diplomatic relations were established between Pakistan and China. To mark the occasion, China-Pakistan Study Centre (CPSC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organized a webinar. H.E. Yao Jing, Ambassador of China in Pakistan made keynote remarks, while Mr. Zahoor Ahmed, Additional Secretary (Asia-Pacific) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was the Chief Guest. Panelists included Pakistan’s former diplomats who had represented Pakistan in China over the past decades.

Dr. Talat Shabbir in his introductory remarks underlined that during past 69 year’s relationship between China and Pakistan withstood changes in international system. Pakistan and China have complete identity of views on all major regional and international issues. He highlighted that CPSC continues to strive towards deepening and promoting Pakistan-China bilateral relationship through research, analyses and outreach activities.

Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, Director-General ISSI, in his welcome remarks, underscored that it is special occasion to mark establishment of diplomatic relations. Projects such as construction of Karakorum Highway, JF-17, FTA-I and II, and CPEC are building blocks that have only strengthened the relationship over the decades. He said work of CPSC and ISSI have assumed greater importance in the age of narrative and it is extremely important for both sides to maintain constant communication and coordination to save the relationship from detractors.

Speaking at the occasion, former foreign secretary Salman Bashir paid tribute to leaders and diplomats who have nurtured the relationship over the decades.  He noted that it is truly genuine friendship which cannot be quantified and explained through traditional theories of the international relations.

 Meanwhile, former diplomat, Raiz Khokhar opined that Pakistan-China relationship is a story of model state-to-state relationship that has evolved over the decades. Pakistan cannot thank China enough for extending vital support during difficult times in 1965 and 1971.

Additional Secretary Zahoor Ahmed, highlighted that at present we are in new stage of the relationship which is dynamics and multidimensional. Most importantly, relationship with China remains a central pillar of Pakistan’s foreign policy. He specifically highlighted extensive support of China to Pakistan during the recent COVID-19 crisis, which he noted underscored strength of the relationship.

Masood Khalid, Pakistan’s former Ambassador to China, underlined the significance of strategic cooperation for regional stability, and noted that Pakistan-China relationship has assumed regional and international importance. Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman ISSI and also former ambassador to China underscored that five principles of peaceful co-existence continue to guide the bilateral relationship.

He highlighted that youth needs to be engaged in various facets of expanding cooperation for enhancing people to people contacts.In his keynote remarks, Ambassador Yao Jing commended CPSC and ISSI for organizing the webinar to commemorate establishment of bilateral relationship, which he noted continues to be guided by mutual respect and mutual support to each other.

 He underscored that a key feature of bilateral engagement is non-interference in internal affairs and support to each other’s core interests. These central tenets have remained consistent over the decades. He said China is satisfied with the current direction of the relationship, as it has expanded in recent years to economic sphere.

Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, DG-ISSI, delivered concluded remarks and thanked esteemed guests and panelists for joining the webinar. 

A.M.BHATTI

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ISLAMABAD :Pakistan joied the world community in celebrating the “Africa Day 2020”.

Marking the landmark establishment of the African Union (then called OAU) on 25 May 1963, this Day is observed across the globe to celebrate the African nations’ heroic struggle for emancipation from colonialism, as well as the Continent’s immense cultural and civilizational contributions, its tremendous economic potential, and its impressive strides in all fields of human endeavour.

 One of the most remarkable achievements has been the conclusion last year of the historic agreement on establishing African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA), geographically the largest trading bloc.

While commemorating AU’s 57th anniversary, we extend heartiest felicitations to the leadership and people of all fraternal African nations said Foreign Office spokesperson,

She said the African Union stands tall today as a symbol of the hopes and aspirations of tens of millions of Africans for forging a united and even brighter future, premised on common values and shared prosperity. This year’s Africa Day assumes salience in view of the Covid-19 pandemic, which is also impacting African countries. The pandemic continues to challenge humanity to close ranks in the face of odds, and persevere to confront a common enemy — virtues aptly embodied by the African Union and its constituent Member States.

Pakistan has a long and illustrious history of friendly relations, mutual support and beneficial cooperation with African friends and partners. Historically, Pakistan has played its role in lending support to African freedom struggles from colonial rule; combating apartheid; extending humanitarian assistance, where needed; and supporting building capacity through training programmes and initiatives.

Pakistan is also proud of its contribution to peace and security in Africa since the 1960s. Under the UN auspices, Pakistani blue helmets, including women peacekeepers, continue to play their part in peace-keeping and peace-building efforts across the Continent.

In line with Prime Minister Imran Khan’s foreign policy vision, Pakistan has embarked upon a new, path-breaking “Engage Africa” Initiative toward the African Continent by strengthening political and diplomatic linkages, further deepening and broadening mutually-beneficial trade and economic ties, and expanding cultural and people-to-people exchanges. Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi is spearheading the realisation of this initiative. As part of this initiative, Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach and presence in Africa is being significantly enhanced. 

The resounding success of the first-ever Pakistan-African Trade Development Conference, convened in January 2020 in Nairobi, highlighted the untapped potential of bilateral trade and investment ties, and underscored the mutual desire to take them to a new level.

As the world observes Africa Day 2020 while combating the Covid-19 pandemic, Pakistan reaffirms its full solidarity and support for the aspirations and valuable endeavours of African nations for peace, progress and prosperity. We also reiterate our abiding commitment to forging a stronger Pakistan-Africa partnership that helps advance our shared objectives and takes our fraternal ties and cooperation into a new era.

ISLAMABAD (DNA)- Prime Minister Imran Khan received a telephone call from President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan,.

President Erdogan and Prime Minister Imran Khan exchanged greetings on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.

President Erdogan offered condolences on the tragic crash of airplane in Karachi and reiterated Turkish nation’s strong support to its Pakistani brethren in this difficult time.

The two leaders further agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation against COVID-19 pandemic to jointly address the situation.

Prime Minister Imran Khan briefed the Turkish President on the steps taken to control the spread of Coronavirus in Pakistan. He thanked President Erdogan for providing valuable medical equipment, which was reflective of historic linkages between the two countries to help each other in times of need.

The Prime Minister, while discussing the long term economic repercussions of COVID-19, said that a comprehensive coordinated plan of action on debt relief and restructuring was needed to stave off socio-economic turbulence. The Prime Minister highlighted his call for “Global Initiative on Debt Relief” for developing countries aimed at helping them cope with the challenges.

Prime Minister Imran Khan briefed President Erdogan on the worsening human rights situation in IOJ&K accentuated by double lockdown and intensified military crackdown. He also shared Pakistan’s concerns on India’s moves to alter the demographic structure of the occupied territory, while the world was preoccupied with fighting the  pandemic.

The Prime Minister also apprised him of the demonization of Muslims in India in the context of COVID-19, which should be rejected by the international community.

LAHORE (DNA News) – Pakistan confirmed 34 more deaths from novel coronavirus in one day as the nationwide tally of fatalities has jumped to 1,167 and positive cases surged to 56,349, Dunya News reported on Monday.

According to the latest figures by the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC), 1,748 persons have been tested positive for COVID-19 in 24 hours.

Province-wise Details

Sindh remains the worst-hit province by the pandemic followed by Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

Till now 20,077 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Punjab, 22,491 in Sindh, 7,905 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 3,407 in Balochistan, 1,641 in Islamabad, 619 in Gilgit-Baltistan and 209 in Azad Kashmir.

Patients are under treatment at quarantine centers of 462 hospitals where 7,295 beds are available.

Tests and Recoveries

Pakistan has so far conducted 483,656 coronavirus tests and 10,049 in last 24 hours. 17,482 coronavirus patients have recovered in the country whereas many are in critical condition.