The Pakistan Embassy in Beijing hosted a grand reception on Monday to commemorate the 84th National Day of Pakistan. The reception was attended by a distinguished gathering including several senior Chinese officials, resident ambassadors, diplomats, members of the Pakistan community, representatives of Chinese state-owned and private enterprises, intelligentsia, and leading media persons. Sun Weidong, Vice Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China, graced the reception as the chief guest. Weidong and Khalil Hashmi, Pakistan's Ambassador to China, celebrate Pakistan National Day at the Pakistan Embassy in Beijing. PHOTO: APP Speaking on the occasion, Khalil Hashmi, Ambassador of Pakistan to China, paid tribute to the nation’s founding fathers, especially Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah for his vision and for pursing democratic struggle for the creation of Pakistan. Ambassador Hashmi underscored the remarkable progress Pakistan has achieved across various sectors over the decades, highlighting the nation's resilience and its capacity to overcome challenges with renewed vigour. He also recalled the groundbreaking diplomatic initiatives undertaken by Pakistan at the international stage for the promotion of peace, harmony and development. Read also: China ready to work with Pakistan: Wang In his address, Ambassador Hashmi commended the contribution of the Pakistani community towards strengthening the ties between Pakistan and China, while advocating for further enhancement of bilateral business and people-to-people exchanges. On Pakistan-China relations, the ambassador noted the iron-clad partnership that has been nurtured by successive generations. He emphasised the deep-rooted connection between the two countries, not only through geographical proximity but also through shared values of trust, mutual respect, solidarity, and support. Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong lauded the relentless efforts of successive Pakistani governments and its people in advancing the nation's prosperity, safeguarding sovereignty, and upholding national dignity. A troupe of Chinese and Pakistani children jointly performed at the Pakistan National Day reception at the Pakistan Embassy in Beijing. PHOTO: APP He stressed the importance of sustained China-Pakistan cooperation in addressing common risks and challenges, defending the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries, and promoting international fairness and justice. Furthermore, Vice Foreign Minister Sun conveyed China’s best wishes for the new government in Pakistan and reiterated China’s unwavering commitment to collaborating with Pakistan to strengthen the China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future in the New Era. A troupe of Chinese and Pakistani children also performed at the reception, symbolising the enduring bonds of friendship between the two nations.