Editor's note: Pakistani Ambassador to China Masood Khalid recently gave an exclusive interview to China.org.cn, talking about his views on China's ongoing two sessions, deepening reform, Chinese culture, the "One Belt and One Road" initiatives and bilateral relations.

Pakistani Ambassador to China Masood Khalid. [Courtesy of Pakistani Embassy in Beijing]

China.org.cn: When did you come to China? What do you like about China culture best, and what influence does it have on you?

Masood Khalid: I assumed my responsibilities as Ambassador of Pakistan in Beijing in 2013. China is a land of 1.3 billion people blessed with ethnic and geographical diversity. The great Chinese civilization and unified outlook on global affairs stands out China as one of the great nations of the world. Pakistan is blessed by having a common border and enjoying warm and brotherly relations with China. To me, the most visible character of Chinese culture, evolved through centuries is its adaptation for "change." Its youth and elderly, men and women are all moving forward towards one objective – to improve the economic, social, industrial and technological landscape of China. This progressive approach has enabled a marvelous transformation and the cultural enrichment of the Chinese nation. The people of Pakistan admire the Chinese development model and have been engaged in rejuvenating and modernizing our society and economy. I have been an observer and admirer of this unified vision and I have watched China's progress and developments with great interest.

China.org.cn: How do you comment on the two sessions?

Masood Khalid: The ongoing National People's Congress (NPC) and Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) sessions are important events in the political life of China. The Chinese leadership is fully aware of its national and international obligations and I hope that through these political consultations the leadership will lead this great nation onto a path of greater success and Chinese glory.

The Government Work Report details China's current situation, target and vision; in particular, the report provides convincing solutions to the difficulties and challenges. Chinese government had a strong strategic vision by lowering its GDP to 7%. It reflected the government's courage to take the historical responsibility for its 1.3 billion people.

China.org.cn: Deepening reform will be the major task for China this year. In your opinion, what is the issue that needs to be addressed most? And in what aspect do you think China can learn from your country?

Masood Khalid: The Chinese leadership is highly capable and devoted to the welfare and sustainable development of its people. Major reforms are already underway in all walks of life especially the economy, rule of law and the environment. I have a firm belief that the impact of these reforms will be long lasting and guide China onto a path of greater progress and development.

China had proved that, only under the leadership of Communist Party of China, could Chinese people realize more brilliant goals in the future.

Pakistan and China enjoy a close relationship and exchange information in a wide range of fields. This close interaction is proof that the two countries trust and rely on each other and have regular interactions to learn from each other's experiences.

China.org.cn: How do you comment on China's "Silk Road Economic Belt" and "21st Century Maritime Silk Road" initiatives? And what role will Pakistan play in the "One Belt and One Road" Initiatives?

Masood Khalid: The "Belt and Road" are very constructive and far sighted initiatives from the Chinese leadership. These initiatives will connect 50 countries in Asia, Europe and Africa and benefit more than 3.8 billion people by reviving the 2000year-old ancient trade route. The initiatives will bridge the connectivity gap and bring the participating countries economically, socially, culturally and politically closer to each other. The two initiatives will also promote the concept of "shared destiny" and pave the way for participating countries to "go global" through enhanced trade and commerce.

Pakistan supports the initiatives and has joined the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) to implement the objectives of these initiatives to strengthen inter-state cooperation. We hope that the implementation of the initiatives will be smooth and in a timely manner.