China-Pakistan bond features blessing of good-neighborliness: FM (2)

The blessing of good-neighborliness also means that the China-Pakistan friendship can withstand the changes of time and politics, and remain ever-refreshing and rock-solid, Wang said.

Over the 62 years since the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations, as Li has pointed out, the seed of China-Pakistan friendship sowed and tended by the two countries' leaders of older generations has grown into a towering tree.

Chinese netizens refer to Pakistan as "Iron Pak," a term testifying to the strength of China-Pakistan friendship, Wang said, noting that the Pakistani people also feel the same as their Chinese siblings.

The Chinese side was deeply touched by the fact that no matter how the Pakistani politics evolved over the years and how the country's political parties differed with each other, they always shelved their differences to concertedly welcome Chinese friends and chart future course for bilateral cooperation, he added.

The blessing, said the foreign minister, also refers to the most determined understanding and support the two sides have consistently given to each other.

During his visit, Li expressed China's gratitude to the Pakistani government, political parties and military for their understanding of China's policies, and their support for China's efforts to safeguard its core interests.

Meanwhile, Wang noted, the Chinese government and people have also stood alongside Pakistan during its challenging times, helping the Pakistani people safeguard their fundamental and long-term interests.

The China-Pakistan relationship, he added, is a time-honored brotherly bond forged against adversity and rooted in good faith, and will be carried on from generation to generation.

Li flew to Switzerland on Thursday, after wrapping up his visits to India and Pakistan, to continue his four-nation maiden overseas trip as premier, which will also take him to Germany.