Shenyang and Karachi, Pakistan become sister cities
Lyu Zhicheng and Moin ul Haque signed the agreement
Source: Shenyang Daily 2021-12-10

The Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the Embassy of Islamic Republic of Pakistan in China hosted the "2021 Forum on Cooperation between China and Pakistan Friendship Provinces and Cities" on line on December 9. At the meeting, Lyu Zhicheng, Deputy Secretary of CPC Shenyang Municipal Committee and Acting Mayor of Shenyang and Moin ul Haque, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to China signed the agreement on establishing sister city relationship on behalf of Shenyang and Karachi respectively via video.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. The establishment of sister-city relations between Shenyang and Karachi has been listed as one of the 100 commemorative activities by both sides. Karachi is the largest city in Pakistan, also known as the "economic capital" of Pakistan, and is an important node city along the "Belt and Road Initiative", which has strong complementarity with Shenyang. Since the establishment of friendly cooperative city relations between the two cities in August 2018, the two sides have had frequent interactions and achieved positive cooperation results in such fields as economy and trade, tourism, education and public transportation. In December 2018, the delegation from Shenyang visited Karachi, participated in the Pakistan Construction Materials and Construction Machinery Exhibition, and promoted a number of economic and trade cooperation projects such as the daily necessities trade of Shenyang Wuai Industry Group. Northern Heavy Industries Group Co.,Ltd. has successfully completed the first phase of the terminal conveying system project contracted in Karachi, and the second phase will be started early next year. After the global outbreak of COVID-19, the two sides actively shared their experience in fighting the epidemic and donated supplies, demonstrating their friendship in times of need. The formal establishment of sister city relationship between Shenyang and Karachi is not only a concrete action for Shenyang to respond to the national "Belt and Road" initiative, but also a practical initiative to deepen the friendly relationship between China and Pakistan.

After signing the agreement, Lyu Zhicheng said that the establishment of sister city relationship between Shenyang and Karachi has opened a new chapter of hand in hand and win-win cooperation, which will further expand the multi-faceted cooperation between the two sides, effectively benefit the people of the two cities and make positive contribution to deepening the "hardcore" friendship between China and Pakistan. Moin ul Haque said that this year is a landmark year for the relationship between China and Pakistan, and he believes that the signing of the sister city agreement will give new impetus to the friendship between China and Pakistan in the new era and open a new era of comprehensive, two-way and win-win cooperation for the two cities and even the two peoples.

Municipal leader Li Songlin attended the event at the sub-venue in Shenyang.

Reporter Han Bing