The Chinese embassy in Pakistan on Sunday held a reception for the Chinese community in the country to celebrate the traditional Chinese Lantern Festival.

At the reception, Ambassador Zhang Chunxiang gave a brief introduction to the representatives of the Chinese community about China's latest development.

"Last year, China's economy growth rate was 9.9 percent, becoming the fourth largest economic power in the world," he said. "The successful launch of Shenzhou VI manned spacecraft symbolizes that China has joined the world's most advanced scientific and technological group of countries."

"Pakistan is an important and friendly neighboring country of China. Last Oct., immediately after the catastrophic earthquake in Pakistan, China made its relief efforts at full fledge, actively joined the reconstruction of the disaster-hit areas, which has gained high appraisal of the Pakistani government and people," Zhang said.

This year marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. As one of a series of friendly cooperative projects and activities including exchanging high level visits, Zhang said, Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf would pay a five-day visit to China from Feb. 19.

"It is fully believed that, under common concern of the leaders of the two countries and under joint efforts made by the two governments, Sino-Pakistan political, diplomatic, economic and trade cooperation will achieve greater success," Zhang said.

As many of the Chinese community are from China's Xinjiang autonomous region, Zhang expressed hope that they would make new contributions to the development and stability in Xinjiang.

"Under the support and help of the Chinese central government, west development program develops smoothly and the Xinjiang region is on the fast track of development," he said.

Source: Xinhua