BEIJING, May 19: Pakistan’s Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi has been awarded the Outstanding Diplomat Medal by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in recognition of his diplomatic services and contribution to strengthening Pakistan-China relations.
The award was presented during a special ceremony held at China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing, where a group of current and former ambassadors accredited to China were honoured.
According to a statement issued by the Pakistan Embassy in Beijing, Ambassador Khalil Hashmi became the first serving Pakistani envoy in China to receive the distinction.
The embassy said the Chinese Foreign Ministry introduced the award to recognise foreign diplomats who demonstrated exceptional diplomatic skills and contributed significantly to bilateral relations with China.
Recognition for Pakistan-China ties
The ceremony included ambassadors and former envoys from several countries, including Russia, Cambodia, Chad, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan and Colombia.
In his remarks, Ambassador Khalil Hashmi thanked the Chinese leadership for the honour and dedicated the award to his diplomatic team, family and officials from both countries who contributed to strengthening Pakistan-China relations over the years.
He also expressed gratitude to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and the Asian Affairs Department of China’s Foreign Ministry for their support in expanding bilateral cooperation.
Ambassador highlights longstanding friendship
Ambassador Hashmi said Pakistan and China had consistently supported each other during difficult times, including natural disasters and global public health emergencies.
Referring to the longstanding relationship between the two countries, he said the friendship between Pakistan and China would continue to grow stronger in the future.
Pakistan and China maintain close cooperation in areas including trade, infrastructure, diplomacy and regional connectivity under projects linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
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