By Fatima Javed

 

ISLAMABAD, May 5 (Gwadar Pro) - 2021 marks the anniversary of 70 years of Pak-China diplomatic relations, which was established on 21 May 1951. Both countries organized a series of events since the beginning of the year, to commemorate this historic milestone in a befitting manner.

 

China and Pakistan planned more than 100 activities to commemorate the 70 years of long friendship of mutual trust, understanding and respect. The events included exchanges of high-level delegations, cultural exhibitions, photography exhibitions, fashion events, and publication of books.

 

The highlights of the events included a virtual ceremony, which was simultaneously held in Islamabad and Beijing on 2nd March 2021. Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi and China’s State Councilor and Foreign Minister, Mr. Wang Yi lead the ceremony on their respective sides.

 

 

On the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations, the Pak-China "Plant of Friendship" was planted. A puppet show was also arranged to celebrate diplomatic relations between the two countries at China Puppet Art Theatre. Students of Gwadar Faqeer School prepared an art competition, to celebrate the occasion.

 

In cooperation with the Chinese Consulate-General Lahore, the Institute of International Relations and Media Research (IIRMR) held an Essay Competition on the theme of 70th Anniversary of Pak- China Diplomatic Relations. The Chinese Consulate dole out prizes to winners.

 

Moreover, a special fashion show, marking the 70th anniversary, was held in Beijing, which was participated by 14 famous fashion brands. It introduced the best of Pakistan Fashion Trends, that intrigued Chinese fashion insiders to learn about Pakistani costumes.

 

“Garlands of Love”, authored by former Ambassador Lu Shulin, one of China’s distinguished diplomats and Pakistan’s staunchest friend and poet of Urdu language, was launched at the Pakistan Embassy Beijing to pay tribute to the friendship between the two countries.

 

 

On the 70th anniversary, China Economic Net also took the opportunity to pay tribute to the witnesses of the growth of China-Pakistan friendship and invited participants to share historical photograph stories.

 

To celebrate the anniversary Centre for Peace and Connectivity, China Forum will be formally launched in Lahore on May 21st. This high profile event will include members of diplomats, civil society, media and the business community. Ex Foreign Minister Khurshid Kasuri will be the Chairman.

 

Second edited book by China Pakistan Study Centre (CPSC), Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad titled, ''Higher than Karakoram-Seven Decades of Pakistan-China Partnership" is also set to launch in May 2021.

 

 

 

In honor of 70 years of diplomatic relations with Pakistan, China will celebrate the Mango festival and will hold Pakistan Week in Shanghai.

 

May 21, 1951 was a defining moment in the history of Pakistan. It is the day when Pakistan established formal diplomatic ties with the People's Republic of China. Connected by geography, history, and Asian identity, the ancient links between Pakistan and China predate the establishment of formal ties.

 

Pakistan supports the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which has become a pivot for connectivity and global growth. As the flagship project of BRI, China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is set to become a high-quality demonstration project of the BRI and accelerate economic integration and regional connectivity.

 

There is a complete consensus across the political spectrum in Pakistan on CPEC's indispensability for our national development. After the successful conclusion of its first phase, the transformational CPEC initiative has entered its second phase with vigorous focus on industrialization, agriculture and socio-economic development.

 

The imperatives of the 21st century demand a new paradigm to deal with emerging challenges as well as opportunities. Both Pakistan and China are tied together by a common vision to change the destiny of our region and wean it away from conflict and ideological dogmatism to one that promotes peace, development and prosperity.