The Embassy of Pakistan celebrated the 73rd National Day of Pakistan in Beijing on March 21. Pakistani Ambassador to China Masood Khalid hosted the ceremony.

"Pakistan and China have all-weather and time-tested friendship which has moved from strength to strength with each passing year and fortified the friendship over the past six decades," said Khalid.

He said Pakistan and China are strong strategic partners. Both countries are investing in strengthening economic ties. People-to-people contact is warm and sincere, he said.

"We have worked hand in hand to pursue the common goals of economic development, well-being of our people and ensuring peace and security in the region," he said.

"We are excited by the economic potential which our country offers," he said.

Minister of Transport Yang Chuantang delivered a speech congratulating the Pakistani nation. "Both countries have a legacy of excellent cooperation in all sectors and it is an all-weather, time-tested friendship which we will bring to new heights," said Yang.

Yang said China-Pakistan relations have been steadily developing over the past several decades, withstanding the test of time, and successfully facing fluctuations in international situations. The transport minister declared regardless of changes in regional or international situations, China will continue to resolutely develop relations with Pakistan.

The embassy conferred civil awards to five Chinese including Sha Zukang, China's former Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, for contributions toward Pakistan-China friendship. Pakistani International College students presented a fashion show featuring garments with Pakistani characteristics.

Pakistani Ambassador to China Masood Khalid (middle) and honored Chinese guests stand in front of a birthday cake celebrating Pakistan's 73rd National Day on March 21 at the Grand Millennium Hotel in Beijing (COURTESY OF PAKISTANI EMBASSY IN CHINA)

Pakistani Ambassador to China Masood Khalid (second from left) and Chinese Minister of Transport Yang Chuantang (first from left) jointly cut a birthday cake celebrating Pakistan's 73rd National Day on March 21 at the Grand Millennium Hotel in Beijing (COURTESY OF PAKISTANI EMBASSY IN CHINA)

Chinese singer Zhu Mingying (left) sings a Pakistani song in Urdu for the country's 73rd National Day on March 21 at the Grand Millennium Hotel in Beijing (COURTESY OF PAKISTANI EMBASSY IN CHINA)