ISLAMABAD, Sep 26 (INP): Chairman Senate Mian Raza Rabbani has said that the China’s fast socio-economic development is a source of World’s peace and prosperity. Extending warm congratulation to the government and the people of China on their 68th National Day, to be commemorated on October 1, he said Pakistan is proud of China’s friendship, hoping it will keep growing with a passage of time. He was speaking at a reception hosted by Chinese ambassador Sun Weidong and his wife Diana Bao here last night at a local hotel on the occasion of the 68th anniversary of the founding of People’s Republic of China. The reception was largely attended by Ministers, politicians, senior members of the armed forces, diplomats and the civil society. The national anthems of Pakistan and China were played and a cake was also cut on the occasion. Prominent were Deputy Speaker National Assembly Javed Abbasi, Governor Punjab Rafiq Rajwana, Governor KPK Zafar Iqbal Jagar, Chaudhry Shujjat Hussain, Maulana Fazalur Rehman, Sherry Rehman, Rehman Malik, Syed Mushahid Hussain and Dr. Fardus Ashiq Awan. The Ministers who attended the reception incuded Akram Khan Durrani, Sikandar Hayat Bosan, Abdul Qadir Baluch and Baligur Rehman, besides Adviser to PM on security affairs Gen. (Retd) Nasir Janjua. Raza Rabbani further said the two countries enjoyed common position on various regional and international issues. They were moving ahead jointly on road to progress and prosperity. He spoke high of the China’s growing partnership with Pakistan. He also praised China for its contribution in the development of domestic and global economy. Ambassador Sun Weidong said in his address reassured the firm support of his country to Pakistan’s solidarity and independence and its active participation in the country’s socio-economic development. Referring to a cross-section of the politicians gathered on the occasion, the ambassador said, it is a true reflection that China-Pakistan friendship is a cross-board consensus from all walks of life in Pakistan. He noted that the world is undergoing profound changes. Peace and development remain the theme of the times. In the past 5 years, under the strong leadership of President Xi Jinping, China has made great achievements. We adhered to the path of peaceful development, advancing reform and opening up, and firmly promoting mutual beneficial and win-win cooperation. China, he added has been the second largest economy and it enjoyed a 6.9% economic growth in the first half of this year. They have full of confidence of the bright future of China’s development. In the past 10 years, China has contributed to over 30% of global annual growth. Moreover, China is committed to offering its wisdom and solution to address world problems. “We believe that there should be a global partnership with dialogue over confrontation, partnership over alliance. We are committed to promoting the "Belt and Road" Initiative. We call on building a new type of international relations, featured by win-win cooperation. These claims have gained more and more recognition and support among the international community. Next month, he said the Communist Party of China will convene its 19th National Congress. This will be of most importance in China’s political life this year. The Chinese people are striving for the Two Centenary Goals. We will build a moderately prosperous society by 2020. We are also taking confidence in building China into a modern socialist country by the middle of this century. We will definitely realize the Chinese dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation,” he added. Excellency Sun Weidong went on to say that a prosperous and strong China will make even greater contribution to world peace and development. We would like to share with the world our development opportunities. We are also ready to make joint efforts with all the countries to build the community of shared prosperity for mankind. About the Sino-Pak relationship, he said these are a model of state-to-state relations. No matter in past, at present or in future, China and Pakistan are always good neighbors, friends, partners and brothers. In 2015, President Xi Jinping paid a historic state visit to Pakistan and opened the golden age of grand development of China-Pakistan relations. Their cooperation developed vigorously in the fields of trade and investment, culture, science and technology, education, defense and security. They witnessed more and more people to people contacts. The two countries maintained close coordination in major international and regional affairs. China-Pakistan relations are full of opportunities, vitality with broad prospects. He added, China always puts the China-Pakistan relationship as the priority of its foreign policy. China will unswervingly deepen our all-weather strategic partnership, unswervingly support Pakistan’s efforts in safeguarding its national independence, sovereignty and dignity, and unswervingly support the development of Pakistan. The Ambassador said, he was working in Pakistan for more than four years and has witnessed the economic and social development of Pakistan, and the improvement of security situation in the country. Fighting against terrorism is a strategic decision of Pakistan. The great efforts and national sacrifices made by Pakistan for the cause of international counter-terrorism should be fully understood and acknowledged by the international community. China firmly supports Pakistan to carry out its counter-terrorism strategy based on its own national conditions. We will, as always, support Pakistan’s efforts in safeguarding its national sovereignty and security, he added. INP/J/AH/LK