CPEC deepens Pakistan-China cooperation: CG Sun Yan

LAHORE – A special ceremony was held at the Expo Centre Lahore under the Punjab Horticulture Authority (PHA) to mark 75 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China. Chinese Consul General Sun Yan, speaking on the occasion, said that over the past 75 years both countries had developed strong mutual trust and achieved significant progress in multiple sectors. He said Pakistan-China relations had moved beyond traditional diplomacy and were now expanding across wide-ranging areas of cooperation. He said that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was progressing at a fast pace, adding that its second phase would focus on industrial development, agriculture, and technology. He also highlighted the positive outcomes of cooperation in Punjab, saying joint efforts in the industrial sector had contributed to increased production. Cultural performances by artists from Pakistan and China were also presented during the ceremony and received appreciation from attendees. Participants reiterated their commitment to further strengthening bilateral ties in the coming years. Provincial Minister for Finance Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman attended the event as chief guest, while Provincial Ministers Bilal Yasin and Mansha Ullah Butt, PHA Chairman Ghazali Saleem Butt, and Managing Director Raja Mansoor Ahmad were also present along with dignitaries from both countries. Speaking on the occasion, Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman said Pakistan-China relations were rooted in mutual respect, trust, and a long history of cooperation. He described the friendship between the two countries as enduring and time-tested, saying it reflected deep public sentiment on both sides. He added that Pakistan and China had consistently supported each other during difficult times, while leadership on both sides had played a key role in strengthening bilateral ties. He said CPEC had marked a new era in relations, bringing progress in Gwadar Port, highways, and other infrastructure and development