Connecting Through Mountains.docVIP

Connecting Through Mountains 　　The longstanding friendship between Pakistan and China is based on mutual respect， equality and common benefit as well as noninterference in each other’s internal affairs. This friendship has stood steadfast despite vicissitudes in political， economic and strategic scenarios. Pakistan and China have a shared world vision based on common prosperity， development and peace. 　　Their relationship dates back to when the ancient Silk Road ran parallel to the present Karakorum Highway （KKH）， serving as a conduit for commerce as well as exchange of ideas and knowledge. It was at the Julian University in Taxila， a town near present Pakistani capital Islamabad， that famous Chinese scholars Xuan Zang and Fa Xian went to study Buddhist scriptures. Areas now in Pakistan， including Taxila， have been mentioned in the Chinese classic Journey to the West. 　　 Links forged through history 　　The strong bond of friendship between Pakistan and China has deep historical， geographical and cultural links. Pakistan and China have always supported each other in hours of need. Both Pakistan and China are united against seces- sionism， extremism and terrorism. The two have supported each other’s interests at the United Nations and other international forums. 　　Pakistan is also committed to the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road （the Belt and Road Initiative） proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang presented the concept of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor during his visit to Pakistan in May 2013. During Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s visit to China in July the same year， the two sides signed a long-term agreement to develop the corridor. 　　The agreement marks a new high in China-Pakistan strategic economic and commercial partnership. The existing road link between Gwadar Port in south Pakistan and Kashgar in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China would be upgraded with eventual rail