Chinese FM: China-Pakistan brotherhood will never go rusty

ISLAMABAD - Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here on Thursday China will work with Pakistan to ensure success of all the activities within the framework of China-Pakistan Year of Friendly Exchanges this year.

"We will cement the friendly sentiments of our two peoples, advance the development of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, enhance our collaboration and coordination in regional and international affairs, so that our cooperation will benefit all people in our two countries and our two countries will set an example of building a community of common destiny," Wang said.

In doing so, the iron brotherhood between China and Pakistan " will never go rusty," the foreign minister said at the launching ceremony of the friendly year in Islamabad.

Wang stressed that China takes Pakistan relationship high on its diplomatic agenda and the Chinese people take Pakistani people as their most trustworthy friends.

"China is working vigorously to promote the initiative put forth by President Xi Jinping to build the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.

"If comparing this 'One Belt and One Road' initiative to a symphony that is participated by all countries and produces benefits to all participants, then China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is the glorious melody in the chapter one of this symphony," he said.

Wang described the China-Pakistan relationship as one that is as close as lips and teeth because the two countries are connected by same mountains and waters.

"The Chinese people have made a special term for Pakistan - ' Iron Pak,' which means Pakistan is the 'iron friend' of the China, " as the two countries enjoy all weather friendship and have conducted all-round cooperation.

The China-Pakistan brotherhood is rock firm and has grown from strength to strength in the course of time, the Chinese foreign minister added.

Pakistan's National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, and Chief Minister of Punjab Province Shahbaz Sharif were also present at the ceremony.