Islamabad, August 24 (INP): Chinese ambassador Yao Jing here on Monday inaugurated China-Pakistan Friendship Tree Plantation campaign for Kyber Pakhtoon Khawa Province (KPK) by planting a sapling here at the KPK’s House.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony, he declared that the Chinese government will participate in the ongoing efforts of promoting the concept of ‘Green Pakistan’.

He reiterated his country’s resolve to support Pakistan’s socio-economic development through all possible means. The efforts are already underway to implement 2^nd phase of CPEC for this purpose.

The campaign was jointly arranged by the Pak-China Friendship Association and Pakhtoon Khawa Development Foundation. Kamran Khan Bangash represented the Chief Minister of the province at the ceremony that was also attended by Zhang Heqing, Chinese Cultural Counsellor, and cross-section of the public representatives.

Syed Ali Nawaz Gilani, Secretary General of the Association announced on the occasion that over 20,000 saplings will be planted at various places of divisional headquarters that will be reflective of Pak-China deep-rooted friendship at people-to-people level.

The ambassador spoke high about importance to KPK’s province, in connecting the CPEC with Afghanistan and other regional countries. He assured his all-out support for enhancing collaborative partnership between KPK and Xinjiang autonomous region.

He noted that Prime Minister Imran Khan has taken categorical position developing CPEC, as a foundation of prosperity and development not only for Pakistan but the entire region.

China, he added, attached high importance to promoting leading role of Pakistan for regional’s connectivity and socio-economic progress. China will remain a strong partner of Pakistan on its way to socio-economic uplift in all sphere of life, he added.

He expressed his happiness that Pakistan is actively engaged in reviving its economy after getting control of COVID-19 epidemic.

Ambassador Yao Jing also announced that the people-to-people exchanges will be further enhanced in a spirit of participating in development and learning from each experience to achieve their future goals.

He appreciated the efforts of Pak-China Friendship Association for strengthening the bonds of friendship at the provincial level.

Kamran Khan Bangash thanked the ambassador for his country’s consistent support for the progress and well-being of the people across the board. China-Pakistan friendship is deep-rooted in the hearts of the people and stood the test of the time. About the CPEC, he said this game-change mega project was contributing a lot for the country’s bright future.

The ambassador also distributed shields to the those who had been playing active role in promoting Sino-Pak friendship, on behalf of the Association.

INP/JAVED