Media can further solidify Pak-China Friendship: Sumsam
| Media can further solidify Pak-China Friendship: Sumsam |
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BEIJING, Apr 21 (APP): Emphasizing that China is the best friend of Pakistan, Minister of state for Information and Broadcasting Syed Sumsam Ali Shah Bukhari said here Tuesday that Media can play an important role to further cement these ties. 鈥淧akistan‑China friendship is exemplary, immortal and unbreakable鈥, he said adding it withstood test of time. Addressing the media, the Minister said that he was member of President Asif Ali Zardari鈥檚 entourage who represented Pakistan at Boao Forum for Asia (BFA), but he availed this opportunity and came to Beijing at the end of the Conference to have interaction with Chinese mediamen. The minister particularly mentioned the importance of electronic media and said that it can play a key role in bringing closer the people of the two countries by highlighting their culture as well as history of the bilateral relations, especially among the youths. He said to maintain these bonds, it is imperative that leadership of the two countries maintain contacts with each other. The minister also emphasized the need of frequent exchange of delegations from both side to further enhance Pakistan ‑China bonds of friendship. On our part, he said we have been doing a lot and would continue to do more in this regard. About participation in BFA, the Minister pointed out that at such an important forum one can share views and experience with different people on variety of subjects and Pakistan also wanted to do so. The importance of BFA is now recognized the world over, he said and added that Premier Wen Jiabao in his speech highlighted the economic crisis and other challenges faced the world and the region due to economic meltdown. Bukhari further said that President Zardari had productive meetings with world leaders including Premier Chinese Wen Jiabao. President Zardari also met with a number of leaders who participated at annual BFA, Bukhari said and added that during his meeting with Iranian First Vice‑President Parviz Davoodi, President Zardari discussed bilateral ties, regional situation and progress on the Iran Pakistan‑India gas pipeline project. The Minister said that President Asif Ali Zardari in his extempore speech at BFA highlighted in best way the challenges posed by terrorism to the regional countries. Bukhari said that President鈥檚 point of view was greatly appreciated by the participants. Talking on Sino‑Pak cooperation in various areas, the minister said that e Gwadar port was one of the many shining examples which were built in cooperation with China. 鈥淭his port is now operational and can play an important role to help boost the economy of Pakistan, but it also provide an important transit route to the regional countries including China and Central Asian states to the other parts of the world鈥, he observed. He pointed out that there were still lot of economic opportunities available in Gwdar and elsewhere in Pakistan and said that his country will welcome Chinese assistance in diverse areas including oil and gas exploration, power generation and infrastructure development. Pakistan is blessed with having one wet well out of 4‑5, he said. To a question, the minister said that economic recession is being faced the world over, but China was less affected because of far sightedness of their leadership, wise policies and above all the hard work of Chinese people. He said that our economy is basically based on agriculture so the government managed to face the challenges posed by world economic recession. |