Remarks by Ambassador Khalil Hashmi at the Exchange Event and Welcome Dinner Xinjiang Plaza

April 10,2024

Distinguished Party Secretary Ma Xingrui and Governor Erkin Tuniyaz of Xinjiang Province,
Vice Minister Chen Xiaodong,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
 
Assalamu Alaikum and Eid Mubarak,
 
I begin by extending my warm greetings on this auspicious occasion to everyone gathered here this evening. I am very pleased to be part of this exchange event and welcome dinner hosted by the People's Government of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.
 
I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the top officials of the CPC Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Regional Committee for organizing this important gathering. Events such as these serve as valuable platforms for fostering in-depth exchanges, promoting understanding, and strengthening the bonds of friendship.
 
Dear Friends,
 
Xinjiang's economic and social development achievements are commendable and serve as a testament to the dedication and hard work of its people and leadership. I am eager to learn more about Xinjiang's progress and the opportunities it presents for enhanced cooperation and collaboration in various sectors.
 
The relationship between the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China and Pakistan holds immense significance. It is characterized by a shared history, cultural ties, and a commitment to mutual cooperation and friendship.
 
As the Ambassador of Pakistan to China, I am proud of the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Pakistan and China and between Pakistan and Xinjiang. Our two regions are bound by the iconic Khunjerab pass, linked through Karakoram Highway, which is the living reminder of the ancient Silk Road. Over the years, this relationship has further flourished and the conception and implementation of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor placed Xinjiang at the forefront of our connectivity agenda.
 
Last year, Prime Minister of Pakistan visited Xinjiang, met Party Secretary Ma Xingrui and reached important consensus on further development of our ties with Xinjiang. The two sides took a number of initiatives including enhanced connectivity in the form of transforming the land border at Xinjiang into an ‘all-weather route’ and enhanced connectivity by air. Both sides are working hard to implement this consensus.
 
Pakistan highly values its relationship with Xinjiang and looks forward to further enhancing bilateral ties in areas of mutual interest, such as trade, investment, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people interactions. Many promising milestones are to follow in the coming weeks, months and years. I look forward to paying a visit to Xinjiang as soon as possible.
 
Once again, Eid Mubarak to everyone celebrating, and may this gathering strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation.
 
Thank you, Shukriya and Xie Xie.