Pak, China share similar challenge of terrorism
Source : The Nation Date : June 20, 2013
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ISLAMABAD - Sun Weidong, Ambassador of China called on Federal Minister for Interior, Ch. Nisar Ali Khan here on Wednesday. The meeting was held in a cordial and frank atmosphere.
The Minister reiterated the old age time tested friendship with China and informed that Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif while he was Leader of the Opposition repeatedly visited China over the years.
He said that in Pakistan even an illiterate person is aware of the slogan of Pak China Dosti. The Minister further said that although the two countries are very different culturally and historically, yet they were tied in bonds of friendship and Pakistan has always been helped by China whenever needed. He further said that although international interests drive countries yet Pakistan-China friendship is old fashioned, traditional and very strong.
The Chinese Ambassador said that the Chinese Government and people consider the Interior Minister a friend of China. He echoed the response in the famous saying that "Pak China friendship was deeper than oceans, higher than the Himalayas, sweeter than the honey and stronger than steel". He congratulated the new Government and the Minister for assuming the charge of Interior Minster.
While referring to the recent visit of Chinese Premier, the Ambassador said that Pakistan was one of the first countries he visited. He also said that the Chinese Government expects a visit from the Pakistani Prime Minister soon. The Ambassador also expressed the desire to open new areas of cooperation between the two countries. The Chinese Ambassador said that both China and Pakistan shared same kinds of challenges arising out of terrorism and extremism. Condemning the recent incidents in Quetta, the Ambassador said that his Government was against any incident that destabilises Pakistan.
Sharing his vision of the economic development for Pakistan, the Ambassador said that three areas of importance should be economic development, reforms and stability.
The Minister also stressed on the need for economic development collaboration with China and conveyed the new Government's priorities of development, fighting terrorism and issue of sovereignty which has been threatened by the Drone strikes etc. He said that his Government was looking forward to the meeting of the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif with the Chinese Premier and admitted that the Gwadar Port would change the entire region and the strategic importance of the Port was highlighted.