Pakistan and China will hold a variety of events in May this year to commemorate 55th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations, officials said. The two sides are consulting each other to mark the anniversary in a befitting manner. It would be an opportunity to review the existing cooperative partnership in various sphere of life, to make it stronger in the years to come. Pakistan was one of the first groups of countries that recognized China. On May 21, 1951, the two countries officially established their diplomatic relations. Since then, China and Pakistan have witnessed smooth development of friendly and neighborly relations as well as mutually beneficial cooperation. This year, the two sides are likely to witness high-level visits, bilateral exchanges and greater interactions in the areas like trade, education, culture, tourism and defense, officials said. The leadership of the two countries wish to strengthen people-to-people contacts to transform their strategic alliance into a vibrant socio-economic partnership. The new year will have special significance, since some important Chinese-assisted projects including Gwadar seaport, up-gradation of Karakarum highway, Thar coal and Jinnah Hydro power projects are to be put into operation. The two sides also agreed to conclude this year their negotiation on Free Trade Agreement (FTA), slashing duties to zero percent on around 3000 items by end of 2007. The Chinese companies are also likely to enhance their participation in the economic development of Pakistan. They have shown their willingness take part in development of Jamshore Thermal power project, expansion of Pakistan steel and exploration of oil and gas fields. The tele-communication is another area of the common interest.
