26031966 Speech made by President Ayub Khan at the Pakistan State Banquet on 26 March 1966 while welcoming Mr. Jiu Shao-chi, chairman of the People s Republic of China.
26031966 Speech made by President Ayub Khan at the Pakistan State Banquet on 26 March 1966 while welcoming Mr. Jiu Shao-chi, chairman of the People s Republic of China.
The ties of friendship between our two countries have been further reinforced as a result of the just stand that your great country has taken on the question of the people of Jammu and Kashmir to self-determination and in upholding the struggle of our people to safeguard their political independence and territorial integrity.
The friendship between Pakistan and China is not based on expediency. It is based rather on the common desire of the peoples of the region. The policies of both Governments are based on principles. Among these principles is a belief in the right of peoples to self-determination. Both countries consider it is of the fundamental importance that friendly ties should be developed with all countics and especially with neighbours. Such a relationship is possible only on the basis of equality and mutual respect for sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of States.
It is in this perspective that the Tashkent Declaration must be viewed. The Tashkent Declaration is a declaration of intent. It provides a framework and a procedure for settling outstanding disputes between India and Pakistan, and, in particular, the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, which was the cause of the recent conflict between the two countries. Significance of the Declaration will be determined by the extent to which its provisions are implemented in finding a just and honourable settlement of this dispute, What we did in Tashkent does not derogate in the slightest degree from our commitment to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Nor has the Declaration weakened our resolve to defend our independence and sovereignty or to pursue a policy guided by the interest of our country.
Mr. Chairman, apart from the bonds resulting from geographical contiguity and historical and cultural traditions, our countries share common problems arising out of foreign exploitation and the legacy of colonial rule. Our peoples are engaged in their respective ways in a great effort to developing their resources so that they can raise their standard of living. I was particularly impressed during my visit to your country. by the remarkable progress achieved by the gifted and industrious peoples of China on the basis of self-reliance. Apart from seeing some of our historical treasures, I hope Your Excellency would also see some of our efforts in building up our country.
Your Excellency's visit will enable a friendly exchange of views on matters of mutual concern to our two countries and would I am sure, strengthen the friendship that already exists between us.
In conclusion, I must reiterate on this occasion the firm belief of my Government and the people of Pakistan that in order to reduce world tensions and attain durable peace in the world, the People's Republic China must be accorded its rightful place in the comity of nations. It is inconceivable that 650 million people should be prevented from pursuing a beneficial relationship with the rest of mankind, and the world denied the indispensable contribution that they can make to the cause of peace and just solutions to the great problems which confront mankind.
I now propose a toast to the health and long life of His Excellency Chairman Mao Tse-tung, His Excellency Chairman Liu Shao-chi, Madame Liu Shao-chi, Vice-Premier Chen Yi, Madame Chen Yi and all the distinguished guests from the People's Republic of China. To the prosperity and progress of the great people of China, to lasting friendship between Pakistan and China, to African-Asian solidarity and to world peace.