Pakistan, China declare 2011 ‘Year of Friendship’

[Lahore_Real_Estate]

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China have declared 2011 as the ‘Year of Friendship’. The year also marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Both countries will celebrate the Friendship Year at the leadership, government, business and most important people to people level.

A meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Task Force, including provincial representatives constituted by the prime minister to chart a befitting programme for celebrating the “Year of Friendship,” was held in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday. The Foreign Secretary chaired the meeting.

The president and prime minister of Pakistan have addressed messages to the Chinese leadership and people to mark the commencement of the “Year of Friendship”. A reception is also being organised jointly by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad at the Pakistan-China Friendship Centre today (Saturday) to launch the commemorations.

President Asif Ali Zardari said the people of Pakistan and China were united in their determination to take their friendship and partnership to new heights. In a message to President Hu Jintao and the Chinese people on the occasion of commencement of the ‘Year of Friendship’ between Pakistan and China, the president said, “It gives me great pleasure to convey to the Chinese leadership and people warm greetings from the people of Pakistan and on my own behalf on commencement of the ‘Year of Friendship’ between Pakistan and China.”

Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani said on Friday said that Pakistan and China had created sincere sentiments of everlasting friendship and brotherhood between the people of the two countries.