Activity No.3 : Speaker of the National Assembly and Chairman National People’s Congress Video Conference

On 27 January, 2021, Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser and Mr. Li Zhanshu, Chairman of National People’s Congress of China held a virtual meeting. It was first high level contact between the two presiding officers after the breakout of COVID-19 pandemic. During the meeting, both sides reviewed bilateral cooperation and agreed to strengthen ties especially in context of 70th anniversary of bilateral relations being celebrated this year.

During the meeting, Speaker Asad Qaiser was accompanied by Deputy Speaker Qasim Khan Suri, Mr. Sher Ali Arbab, Chairman National Assembly’s CPEC Committee, Ehsan Ullah Tiwana, Chairman, National Assembly’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Convener Pak-China Friendship Group, Noor Alam Khan and other members of the National Assembly. Chairman NPC was accompanied by Deputy Speaker NPC and Chairmen of the Special Committees on Foreign Affairs and Law.

The Speaker congratulated his Chinese counterpart on 70th anniversary of Sino-Pak diplomatic relations and Chinese New Year.  He said that Pakistan considers China as its closest friend, staunchest partner and an iron brother adding that consistent progression in the relations exemplifies a unique model of brotherhood. The Speaker underscored that Pakistan has always supported China on its core issues including Taiwan, Xinjiang, Hong Kong SAR and South-China Sea. He appreciated China’s firm and principled support to Pakistan on dispute of India’s Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

Chairman Li Zhanshu reiterated that Pakistan is China’s iron brother and closest strategic ally. He reaffirmed that China would always stand by Pakistan for maintaining its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Chairman Li added that both sides firmly supported each other after the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic which vividly manifested their fraternal ties and spirit of close cooperation. Expressing satisfaction at the steady pace of CPEC, Chairman NPC reaffirmed that both sides would continue working for its future development for shared benefit and prosperity of peoples of the two countries. 

Both sides also expressed views to celebrate 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations in a befitting manner. They agreed that friendships groups and committees of the two legislatures should hold interaction for commemorating this important milestone and deepening bilateral cooperation.

2021-01-27