ISLAMABAD, May 12 (Xinhua) -- Zafar Uddin Mahmood, special representative of the Prime Minister of Pakistan for China Affairs, said that the economic development and prosperity of China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region are exemplary in the world.
"It (prosperity) is evident to the world, and the sense of community for the Chinese nation is deeply rooted in the hearts of the people of Xinjiang," said the official during a recent seminar.
The seminar, attended by more than 200 people from various sectors of Pakistani society, was organized by the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan and the Overseas Chinese Association of Rawalpindi on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of China-Pakistan friendship.
In his speech, Zafar said that Xinjiang has witnessed rapid economic growth, significant improvements in infrastructure, and remarkable overall development.
"Xinjiang's superior geographical location, coupled with the construction of railways and highways, has helped Xinjiang achieve regional connectivity, making it an important transportation hub in the region," he said, citing the Karakoram Highway as a shining example of Pakistan-China friendship.
The official also expressed hope that more Pakistani scholars, media professionals and youth representatives would visit Xinjiang, allowing the world to get to know about the authentic, multifaceted, vibrant, and beautiful Xinjiang.
On the occasion, Nasir Khan, president of the Overseas Chinese Association Rawalpindi in Pakistan, said that Xinjiang is undergoing historic changes, with people of all ethnic groups living in harmony and friendship.
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative, has brought stability, prosperity, and openness to Pakistan, he said, expressing hope that Xinjiang, a land brimming with opportunities, will become a bridge connecting China and Pakistan, providing a platform for young people from both countries to pursue their dreams.
Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong said that Xinjiang is at its best stage of development in history, enjoying unprecedented economic and social development, strengthened ethnic unity, and growing prosperity for its people.
China stands ready to work with Pakistan to strengthen mutual support, advance development paths suited to their respective national conditions, expand cooperation in various fields, and make contributions to accelerating the building of an even closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era, he said. ■
