BEIJING, May 18: Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi on Monday received ‘Outstanding Diplomat Medal’ in recognition of his outstanding contributions to promoting friendship and cooperation between Pakistan and China.
Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi presented the award to Ambassador Hashmi at the inaugural award ceremony held in Beijing.
Wang Yi also presented the awards to seven other current and former foreign ambassadors. They are former Russian Ambassador Andrey Denisov, former Cambodian Ambassador Khek M Caimealy Sysoda, current Kazakh Ambassador Shakhrat Nuryshev, current Saudi Ambassador Abdulrahman Alharbi, former Chadian Ambassador Allah-Maye Halina, current Colombian Ambassador Sergio Cabrera Cardenas, and former Uruguayan Ambassador Juan Fernando Lugris Rodriguez.
Talking to APP, Ambassador Hashmi described the prestigious award conferred upon him as a “special” and “memorable” honor, saying it reflects the deepening trust and partnership between Pakistan and China.
He said the recognition was not only a personal honor but also a tribute to the collective efforts of those working to strengthen bilateral relations.
“Of course, it’s a special day for me personally. It’s a memorable day. It’s a great honor for me personally as well as for my country, my family, my friends,” he said.
He added that the award recognized the dedicated efforts undertaken to further enhance cooperation and friendship between the two countries.
“This is a recognition of the outstanding work that has been done. But I think I dedicate this medal award to my family, to my fellow colleagues at the embassy, and of course, to all those on both sides who work day in and day out to further deepen our ties between our two countries,” Ambassador Hashmi remarked.
Highlighting the broader significance of the award, the envoy said the honor symbolized mutual trust and confidence in the enduring Pakistan-China partnership.
“I think the award and this medal, what it signifies is a vote of confidence, a vote of trust in the steady relationship, in the growing partnership and cooperation between Pakistan and China,” he said.
Ambassador Hashmi noted that the timing of the award carried additional importance as both countries are celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations and friendship this year.
“This is a year symbolically also very important because we are celebrating 75 years of our friendship and our diplomatic relations. And I think the conferment of this medal this year also carries special significance,” he added.
This is the first event of its kind held in China.