Ambassador: Pakistan admires China's development
Editor's note: Pakistani Ambassador to China Masood Khalid recently gave an exclusive interview to China.org.cn, talking about his views on China's ongoing two sessions, deepening reform, Chinese culture, the "One Belt and One Road" initiatives and bilateral relations.
Pakistani Ambassador to China Masood Khalid. [Courtesy of Pakistani Embassy in Beijing]
China.org.cn: When did you come to China? What do you like about China culture best, and what influence does it have on you?
Masood Khalid: I assumed my responsibilities as Ambassador of Pakistan in Beijing in 2013. China is a land of 1.3 billion people blessed with ethnic and geographical diversity. The great Chinese civilization and unified outlook on global affairs stands out China as one of the great nations of the world. Pakistan is blessed by having a common border and enjoying warm and brotherly relations with China. To me, the most visible character of Chinese culture, evolved through centuries is its adaptation for "change." Its youth and elderly, men and women are all moving forward towards one objective – to improve the economic, social, industrial and technological landscape of China. This progressive approach has enabled a marvelous transformation and the cultural enrichment of the Chinese nation. The people of Pakistan admire the Chinese development model and have been engaged in rejuvenating and modernizing our society and economy. I have been an observer and admirer of this unified vision and I have watched China's progress and developments with great interest.
China.org.cn: How do you comment on the two sessions?
Masood Khalid: The ongoing National People's Congress (NPC) and Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) sessions are important events in the political life of China. The Chinese leadership is fully aware of its national and international obligations and I hope that through these political consultations the leadership will lead this great nation onto a path of greater success and Chinese glory.
The Government Work Report details China's current situation, target and vision; in particular, the report provides convincing solutions to the difficulties and challenges. Chinese government had a strong strategic vision by lowering its GDP to 7%. It reflected the government's courage to take the historical responsibility for its 1.3 billion people.
China.org.cn: Deepening reform will be the major task for China this year. In your opinion, what is the issue that needs to be addressed most? And in what aspect do you think China can learn from your country?
Masood Khalid: The Chinese leadership is highly capable and devoted to the welfare and sustainable development of its people. Major reforms are already underway in all walks of life especially the economy, rule of law and the environment. I have a firm belief that the impact of these reforms will be long lasting and guide China onto a path of greater progress and development.
China had proved that, only under the leadership of Communist Party of China, could Chinese people realize more brilliant goals in the future.
Pakistan and China enjoy a close relationship and exchange information in a wide range of fields. This close interaction is proof that the two countries trust and rely on each other and have regular interactions to learn from each other's experiences.
China.org.cn: How do you comment on China's "Silk Road Economic Belt" and "21st Century Maritime Silk Road" initiatives? And what role will Pakistan play in the "One Belt and One Road" Initiatives?
Masood Khalid: The "Belt and Road" are very constructive and far sighted initiatives from the Chinese leadership. These initiatives will connect 50 countries in Asia, Europe and Africa and benefit more than 3.8 billion people by reviving the 2000year-old ancient trade route. The initiatives will bridge the connectivity gap and bring the participating countries economically, socially, culturally and politically closer to each other. The two initiatives will also promote the concept of "shared destiny" and pave the way for participating countries to "go global" through enhanced trade and commerce.
Pakistan supports the initiatives and has joined the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) to implement the objectives of these initiatives to strengthen inter-state cooperation. We hope that the implementation of the initiatives will be smooth and in a timely manner.
China.org.cn: In May 2013, China and Pakistan announced the establishment of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). What progress has been made so far? What further influence do you think the "Economic Corridor" will have in promoting trade?
Masood Khalid: The initiative of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor was launched in May 2013. CPEC envisioned a strategic partnership to boost bilateral trade, investment and transit trade between and across Pakistan and China. So far 34 projects worth US$34.5 billion have been agreed which is a source of satisfaction for both countries. Mainly, CPEC projects are related to power generation, power transmission, railways, ports, shipping, mining and telecommunication. I can assure you that the government of Pakistan will leave no stone unturned in reaping the benefits of CPEC projects in timely fashion. Bilateral trade now stands at about US$15 billion and is growing steadily. We hope that once the corridor projects are complete it will not only bring the countries in the region closer but also accelerate regional trade.
China.org.cn: How many Chinese workers are working in Pakistan at the moment? What measures has the Pakistan government taken to protect Chinese workers?
Masood Khalid: According to the latest statistics, over 13,000 Chinese personnel are working in Pakistan. Pakistan has taken special measures to provide fool-proof security to Chinese citizens working in Pakistan. The government of Pakistan is fully aware of its responsibilities and will provide complete cover to the Chinese workforce in Pakistan to ensure their safety and security.
China.org.cn: Pakistan is in a truly unique position in Chinese foreign policy. It has been described as China's all-weather strategic partner and relationship between the two countries is always positive. What makes this relationship so special? What attitude do the Pakistani people hold towards China and the Chinese people? What are your expectations for the growth of bilateral ties during your term of office and in what way you would like to promote the ties?
Masood Khalid: It is an undeniable fact that every Pakistani is proud of the country's friendship with China. Both in Pakistan and China, everyone recognizes that our relationship is deeper than the oceans, higher than the mountains and sweeter than honey. The people of Pakistan hold their Chinese brethren in great esteem.
Language is the most potent identity of any culture. Pakistani educational institutes have started teaching Chinese as an additional language. The thirst for learning Chinese among Pakistanis shows their love for Chinese culture and a desire to understand Chinese society more closely. This is an encouraging trend essential to strengthen relations at the people to people level.
The Pakistani embassy has also started an Urdu language program for our Chinese friends to learn Urdu and to understand Pakistan's culture. This facility is free of cost. China has built a Chinese Cultural Center in Islamabad and opened up three Confucius Institutes in major cities in Pakistan. All these steps will help us to understand each other better and help our businesspeople understand more about China and its people.
China.org.cn: The China-Pakistan Year of Friendship was launched last month. What activities will be held?
Masood Khalid: The two governments have approved mutually agreed activities to celebrate the year of friendly exchanges 2015. The two governments have decided to send students, journalists, diplomats, academicians, artists and businessmen to cement our relationship. I hope these activities will generate more interest to bring our two peoples closer together.
