On May 5, 2023 local time, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang attended the unveiling ceremony of the Foreign Service Academy of Pakistan in Islamabad, and interacted and communicated with young diplomats of China and Pakistan. Pakistan’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar was present. The Foreign Service Academy of Pakistan was rebuilt on the previous compound of the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan.

With full passion and vivid words, the young diplomats of China and Pakistan shared their views on and experience in carrying forward the “ironclad” friendship between China and Pakistan. Qin Gang spoke highly of the mission and responsibility of carrying forward the China-Pakistan friendship undertaken by the young diplomats of the two countries and praised that the cause of the China-Pakistan friendship will be carried forward by future generations and embrace a bright future.

Qin Gang said that the China-Pakistan friendship has a long history, a profound foundation, fruitful results and bright prospects. It is a good example of state-to-state relations, a living textbook that should be studied and a good story that everyone should try to tell well. He called on the young diplomats, as masters of the cause of China-Pakistan friendship, to have a sense of the times, a sense of mission and a sense of urgency, and lose no time in acting as both doers and advocates of China-Pakistan friendship, telling stories of China-Pakistan friendship well and amplifying the common voice of China and Pakistan.

Qin Gang pointed out that the world today is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century. The collective rise of China, Pakistan and other developing countries has had a profound impact on the international landscape and world order. China advocates that all countries should stick to independence and follow the development paths suited to their national conditions, and calls for mutual respect, equality and win-win cooperation among countries. China does not seek self-interests, does not put its own interests first, does not impose its own system and culture on others, and does not bully countries smaller in size with less power. China advocates that disputes between countries should be peacefully resolved through dialogue and consultation rather than resorting to force or the threat of force, and that all countries should join hands to address global challenges, advance the building of an open, inclusive, clean, and beautiful world that enjoys lasting peace, universal security and common prosperity, and build a human community with a shared future. A modernized China will strengthen the force for world peace and justice. The young diplomats of China and Pakistan should see through the trend, tell right from wrong, act in line with the trend of the times and the aspirations of the people of all countries, and oppose erecting barriers, inciting confrontation and stoking “a new Cold War”.

Qin Gang said that the China-Pakistan community with a shared future is not diplomatic rhetoric but has profound historical roots, solid public support and strong practical needs. The “ironclad” friendship between China and Pakistan has been part of the DNA of the two peoples. The risks and challenges facing the world today are increasing, but true gold doesn’t fear the test of fire. The greater the pressure, the more it can demonstrate the value of the “ironclad” China-Pakistan friendship; the greater the pressure, the more China and Pakistan need to pull together in times of trouble, strengthen communication, coordination and cooperation, and jointly achieve common development and progress. China and Pakistan must redouble their efforts to ensure the success of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, in a bid to bring more and better benefits to the two peoples. The two sides should also strengthen coordination and cooperation in international affairs.

Qin Gang stressed that relay baton of China-Pakistan friendship has been passed to the younger generation of the two countries. He hopes that the young diplomats of China and Pakistan will hold high aspirations and keep a global vision, work side by side and continue working hard, carry forward the great cause of China-Pakistan friendship, uphold justice, do the right thing and take the right path, and strive for world peace, justice and progress.