Remarks by Ambassador Khalil Hashmi at Pakistan Civil Award Investiture Ceremony – 14 August 2024

August 14,2024

Your Excellency, Ambassador Sha Zukang, Honorary Chairman of the International Green Economy Association, 
Madam Liu Jinfeng, 
Your Excellency, Ambassador Nong Rong, Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the CPC Central Committee, and Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, 
Madam Huang Guoxiu,
Distinguished guests,
Assalam-o-Allakium, 
Dajia Hao!
 
I wish to extend a very warm welcome to you all to this investiture ceremony. As you are aware, we have gathered here today to recognize and honor the outstanding contributions of two exceptional Ambassadors of China-Pakistan friendship - Ambassador Sha Zukang and Ambassador Nong Rong.  
 
Today also marks the 77h Independence Day Anniversary of Pakistan and it is my true pleasure to celebrate this auspicious occasion by conferring on behalf of the President of Pakistan, the highest national civil award, Hilal-i-Quaid-e-Azam (the Crescent of the Great Leader) on the two distinguished Ambassadors, each of whom has contributed to our all-weather friendship in his own right. On this momentous occasion, let me present my heartfelt felicitations to both the eminent Ambassadors for their profound and lasting achievements. 
 
Ladies & Gentlemen,
 
China-Pakistan relationship is truly a unique, special and unparalleled friendship that has stood the tests of time. This relationship has been nurtured by successive generations of our leaders as well as able and highly skilled dignitaries and officials, including diplomats. 
 
Ambassador Sha Zukang, a distinguished diplomat with an illustrious career, has been a steadfast proponent of China-Pakistan relations. His unwavering dedication to fostering diplomatic ties between our two countries at the United Nations laid a strong foundation for the cooperation we cherish today. Later, as the President of China-Pakistan Friendship Association, Ambassador Sha’s vision and leadership have been instrumental in deepening our political, economic and strategic partnership. For me personally, his advice and guidance continue to be an asset, especially at a time when China Pakistan friendship has to navigate with great skill and tenacity in the midst of an increasingly turbulent regional and international geopolitical situation.    
 
Let me also pay my highest tribute to Ambassador Nong Rong, who also served with great distinction as China’s Ambassador to Pakistan, with a series of impressive accomplishments to his credit. During his tenure, we witnessed significant progress in key areas such as bilateral trade, infrastructure development, energy projects and people-to-people exchanges, despite the challenges imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic. It was through his commitment and sagacity that at a challenging time, Ambassador Nong Rong played a pivotal role in advancing socio-economic development of Pakistan under the shining principles of win-win cooperation and shared prosperity. I am personally grateful to him for gracing today’s investiture ceremony. 
 
Let us all draw inspiration from the dedication and commitment of Ambassador Sha and Ambassador Nong. Their contributions serve as a reminder of the power of diplomacy and the profound impact that individuals can render in shaping the inter-state relationship. I once again extend my heartfelt congratulations to both the Ambassadors on receiving the well-deserved accolades, and thank you all for joining us at this ceremony.  
 
 
Thank you!