Address by H.E. Mr. Masood Khalid

Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of  Pakistan to China

Mr. Li Ruo Hong,

Dr. Marielza Oliveira and Dr. Ali Moussa from UNESCO

Ambassador Sha Zukang

Distinguished Guests, 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

At the outset, I would like to thank the organizers for inviting me and for giving me an opportunity to share my thoughts on “Building people-to-people bonds and promoting peace”. 

Ladies and Gentlemen

The importance of lasting peace for the growth of humanity can never be overestimated. In history, we observe that the most prosperous eras for mankind have been devoid of conflict. Nations only prosper in peace and the peaceful rise of People’s Republic of China is a living example in front of our eyes. 

I belong to a profession whose raison d’être is to promote peace and friendship among all citizens of the world. Diplomacy evolved through centuries only for the sole purpose of avoiding conflict and expanding relationships between different nations and communities. Whenever, there is a threat to peace and stability in the world, Ambassadors and diplomats are called to find solutions to issues and resolve them peacefully. It is only when diplomatic engagement fails, conflicts arise which lead to destruction, anarchy and loss of humanity.

Sadly in today’s world we are faced with many conflicts. There is an urgent need to address the root causes of these conflicts and try to build a prosperous world. Today, we have the largest generation of young people in the history of mankind. Half of the world’s population is under 25 years of age. It means young people have greater influence than ever before in the history of mankind. Young people can take the lead by shunning violence, conflicts, extremism and by promoting dialogue and peaceful resolution of issues. 

Too many of us think that peace is impossible. Too many think it is unreal. But that is a defeatist belief. It leads to the conclusion that war is inevitable, that mankind is doomed that we are gripped by forces we cannot control. We must not accept this view. 

Here I would like to give the example of Pakistan and China who are “all weather strategic cooperative partners”. Relations between Pakistan and China are deeply anchored in history and are based on mutual trust and unwavering friendship. The relationship of the two countries is a perfect model for other regional countries on how to co-exist peacefully and build fraternal ties.

The traditionally close friendship between Pakistan and China has been elevated to a new level with the launch of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). CPEC is a flagship project of “One Belt One Road” aimed at enhancing connectivity, trade linkages and people-to-people bonds between Pakistan and China. 

Pakistan and China share a convergence of views and interests in maintaining regional peace and stability and economic cooperation. We will continue to cement our multi-dimensional ties to the greater benefit of our people and work together to promote peace and stability in our region.  

We need genuine peace that makes life on this world worth living, the kind that enables people and nations to grow and build a better life for their children. It means peace not merely in our time but peace for all time.

Wish you all a happy international day of peace and the millions of people all around the world

Thank you.