Full Text of Chinese Vice-premier Wang Yang's speech at the Commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of the Independence of Pakistan

Today, both China and Pakistan shoulder the historical mission of national rejuvenation. We are both pursuing the great dream of national prosperity and people's well-being. We need close cooperation now more than ever. During President Xi Jinping's visit to Pakistan in 2015, our bilateral relationship was upgraded to an all-weather strategic cooperative partnership, opening a new page in the history of China-Pakistan friendship and cooperation.

-- China is ready to strengthen all-round strategic cooperation with Pakistan. We need to keep the tradition of close high-level exchanges, extend firm mutual support on issues concerning each other's major interests, and strengthen cooperation in international and regional affairs. China firmly supports the efforts of the Pakistani government and people to uphold independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and firmly supports Pakistan in developing and implementing counter-terrorism policies in light of its own national conditions, improving its external environment and expanding external exchanges and cooperation.

-- China is ready to strengthen all-round economic cooperation with Pakistan. China sees Pakistan as an important partner in the Belt and Road Initiative. Following the "1+4" cooperation plan agreed by President Xi Jinping and the Pakistani leaders, we will take forward the building of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor in line with the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits and launch more early harvest projects to enhance Pakistan's capacity for independent development and deliver tangible benefits to the people along the route and all the people in Pakistan.

--China is ready to strengthen all-round people-to-people exchanges with Pakistan. We will expand cooperation in areas including education, science and technology, culture, health and sports, and encourage exchanges between youth, think-tanks, media, universities, non-governmental organizations and at the local level to enhance public support for China-Pakistan friendship and cooperation and promote closer heart-to-heart communication between our people.

As an old Chinese saying goes, "Friendship between chess playmates lasts less than a day; Friendship between diners lasts less than a month; Friendship based on power and influence lasts less than a year; Only friendship based on shared principles lasts a lifetime." What we have between China and Pakistan is a friendship based on shared aspirations and tested in adversity. It will not only last a lifetime, but also be passed on from generation to generation. No matter how the international environment may evolve and how China may grow, we will always be a good neighbor, a close friend, a trusted partner and a true brother for Pakistan.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Islamabad today is a city of fluttering national flags. On this sacred flag, the white and green colors symbolize peace and prosperity, and the star and the crescent represent light and progress. On behalf of the Chinese government and the Chinese people, I sincerely hope this great vision will guide Pakistan towards enduring peace and a bright future of prosperity and progress.

May the people of Pakistan enjoy happiness and well-being!

May the China-Pakistan friendship be everlasting!

Thank you.