Pakistan takes immense pride in its unique and time-tested friendship with China, and the close relationship between the two neighboring countries serves as "a source of peace and stability in the region and beyond", the top envoy of Islamabad to Beijing said on Monday.

Addressing a reception in Beijing on the occasion of the 84th National Day of Pakistan, Pakistan's Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi described the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor as a "heart corridor founded on the shared values of mutual respect, trust, solidarity and support".

The CPEC, a crown jewel of the Belt and Road Initiative, stands as a shining testament of win-win cooperation, he said.

"Together, our two countries and people have overcome hardships and celebrated triumphs, standing shoulder to shoulder in good and difficult times, in the true spirit of iron brotherhood," Hashmi said.

The celebration was also attended by Sun Weidong, vice-minister of foreign affairs.
 
Source: China Daily