ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said the time-tested relationship of Pakistan and China was flourishing with each passing day despite the changes in the regional and global environment.
The foreign minister was addressing a ceremony at the issuance of a commemorative coin in connection with celebrations marking 70 years of the establishment of Pak-China diplomatic relations.
Qureshi said unrelenting efforts of the successive generations of people and the leadership of Pakistan and China had transformed the relationship into an ‘All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership.’
The coin’s denomination has been kept at Rs 70, depicting the 70 years of relations between Pakistan and China. Governor State Bank of Pakistan Dr. Reza Baqir, China’s Ambassador Nong Rong and senior officials attended the ceremony.
Qureshi said Pakistan and China steadfastly supported each other on the issues of core interest. He said China stood by Pakistan in supporting the key strategic, economic and developmental priorities.
On China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the foreign minister said the venture brought this relationship to new heights. After the successful conclusion of its first phase, he said CPEC had entered into second phase with focus on industrial cooperation, trade, agriculture and socio-economic development.
The ground breaking of Rashakai Special Economic Zone last month has the potential to spur industrialization and enhance our exportable surplus, he added.
After the outbreak of COVID-19 in China and Pakistan, both countries extended material and moral support to each other in their respective efforts to contain the pandemic, he added.
He said both countries had robust cooperation in banking sectors as well besides Pakistani commercial banks had started operations in China. He said State Bank of Pakistan as the regulator of the monetary and credit system of Pakistan, had a pivotal role in further deepening this relationship.
Governor SBP Dr Reza Baqir said it was an honour for central to be part of the tribute being paid by the government of Pakistan by issuing this commemorative coin to celebrate the diplomatic relationship of the two countries.
He said this was the fourth time SBP had issued a commemorative coin relating to Pak-China relations and recalled that earlier coins were issued on founding anniversary of China, establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries and on the occasion to mark Pakistan-China Year of Friendship.
Chinese ambassador Nong Rong said both the government and people of China loved their Pakistani brethren and desired to see the country making progress in every sphere of life. He said both China and Pakistan shared the same views on international issues.
About the Coin
The coin shall be issued through the exchange counters of SBP Banking Services Corporation from June 11, 2021. The coin is in round shape milled with serrations on the edge, diameter of 30.00 mm, weight 13 grams and has Cupro-Nickel metal contents (Copper 75% & Nickel 25%).
The first coin of Rs.10 denomination was issued in October 2009 celebrating the auspicious occasion of 60th Anniversary of the founding of Peoples Republic of China.
The second coin of Rs.20 was issued in May 2011 to celebrate 60th Anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China as Year of Pak-China Friendship – 2011. The third coin was issued in 2015 to mark Pakistan-China Year of Friendly Exchange 2015.
