Addressing at a gathering to mark the 52nd anniversary of the establishment of Pak-China diplomatic relations organized by the All Pakistan-China Friendship Association, Rashid said "the exemplary friendship between the two countries is higher than the Himalayas and deeper than the ocean."

"We all are proud of the friendship with China and it is in the heart of every individual -- no matter what government comes or goes," said the minister.

In this materialistic age, Rashid noted, friendships are based on this new trend, but Pakistan's friendship with China is above all such interests and the time has proved that the two countries enjoy commendable relations with each other.

Appreciating the role of the Chinese leaders, Rashid said their sagacity and political acumen have helped the country achieve a leading role in the world and in the near future, and that China will emerge as a key-role player on the world stage.

Speaking on the occasion, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Zhang Chunxiang briefed the audience on the tremendous and profound social, economic and political development in China during the past five decades, especially during the recent 20 years of reform and opening-up.

Referring to the friendship between China and Pakistan, he said, "A close neighbor can be more helpful than a relative living far away."

"China and Pakistan are close neighboring countries linked with common rivers and mountains. The friendship between the two peoples is of long standing and has become even stronger as time goes by. We have been sympathizing with, understanding, supporting each other in international affairs and in the cause of national construction," the ambassador said.

He thanked Pakistan for its precious support for China on a series of issues concerning China's sovereignty, such as Taiwan, human rights and Tibet.

He quoted Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf as once saying: if the Karakorum Highway linking the two countries could be called the symbol of Pak-China friendship in the 20th century, the Gwadarport under construction in Balochistan Province will be another mega-project symbolizing the two countries friendship in the 21st century.

He reiterated that the Chinese government is determined to further consolidate and develop the traditional friendship and cooperation of mutual benefit with Pakistan.

"We are ready to work with the Pakistani government and people for building a partnership of all-round cooperation between China and Pakistan in the 21st century," the Chinese ambassador added.

(Xinhua News Agency June 10, 2003)