Pakistan's Ambassador to China, Masood Khalid is reading out the messages of President and Prime Minister of Pakistan on the occasion of the country's 73rd National Day at the Pakistan Embassy, Beijing on March 23, 2013. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Last Saturday, March 23, marked the 73rd National Day of Pakistan. A large number of Pakistanis from the Pakistan Embassy, officials and their families along with other distinguished guests celebrated the day with great fervor and enthusiasm in Beijing.

For the occasion Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, Masood Khalid hoisted the national flag and read aloud messages from both the President and the Prime Minister of Pakistan.

Similar ceremonies simultaneously took place in Pakistani Consulates in Shanghai, Chengdu, Guangzhou and Hong Kong.

Earlier, Ambassador Masood Khalid hosted a reception at a local hotel to celebrate their national holiday.

Ambassador Masood Khalid said that Pakistan and China have a time-tested friendship which has grown stronger with each passing year and fortified their friendship throughout the past six decades.

“We have worked hand in hand to pursue the common goals of economic development, well being of our people and ensuring peace and security in the region,” Ambassador Khalid said.

China’s Minister for Transport, Yang Chuantang attended the ceremony and congratulated the Pakistani nation on the country’s 73rd National Day.

China-Pakistan relations have been steadily developing over past several decades, withstanding the test of time, and successfully facing the fluctuations of international situations, Yang said.

Minister Yang Chuantang declared that whatever may be the changes within regional or international situations, China will continue to resolutely develop relations with Pakistan.

Tracing the history of these unique relations, Yang said the Chinese nation can never forget Pakistan’s pivotal role in introducing China to the outside world including Muslim countries.

He said the Pakistani nation went all out to help the stranded people of Wenchuan in Sichuan province by providing all of their tents needed to shelter those who had lost everything in the massive earthquake that struck on May 12, 2008.

Ambassador Masood Khalid and Minister Yan Chuantang jointly cut a celebration cake symbolizing friendship between the two countries.

Civil awards were conferred on prominent figures that have made tremendous contributions towards strengthening the relationship between China and Pakistan. Those honored included Sha Zukang, China’s Former Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva；Lin Zuoming, Chairman of the Board and President of Aviation Industry of China; Sun Weidong, Deputy Director General of Asia Department in China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Li Xiaolin, President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries. Hou Yanqi, former Director Pakistan at the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.