China.org.cn: In May 2013, China and Pakistan announced the establishment of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). What progress has been made so far? What further influence do you think the "Economic Corridor" will have in promoting trade?

Masood Khalid: The initiative of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor was launched in May 2013. CPEC envisioned a strategic partnership to boost bilateral trade, investment and transit trade between and across Pakistan and China. So far 34 projects worth US$34.5 billion have been agreed which is a source of satisfaction for both countries. Mainly, CPEC projects are related to power generation, power transmission, railways, ports, shipping, mining and telecommunication. I can assure you that the government of Pakistan will leave no stone unturned in reaping the benefits of CPEC projects in timely fashion. Bilateral trade now stands at about US$15 billion and is growing steadily. We hope that once the corridor projects are complete it will not only bring the countries in the region closer but also accelerate regional trade.

China.org.cn: How many Chinese workers are working in Pakistan at the moment? What measures has the Pakistan government taken to protect Chinese workers?

Masood Khalid: According to the latest statistics, over 13,000 Chinese personnel are working in Pakistan. Pakistan has taken special measures to provide fool-proof security to Chinese citizens working in Pakistan. The government of Pakistan is fully aware of its responsibilities and will provide complete cover to the Chinese workforce in Pakistan to ensure their safety and security.

China.org.cn: Pakistan is in a truly unique position in Chinese foreign policy. It has been described as China's all-weather strategic partner and relationship between the two countries is always positive. What makes this relationship so special? What attitude do the Pakistani people hold towards China and the Chinese people? What are your expectations for the growth of bilateral ties during your term of office and in what way you would like to promote the ties?

Masood Khalid: It is an undeniable fact that every Pakistani is proud of the country's friendship with China. Both in Pakistan and China, everyone recognizes that our relationship is deeper than the oceans, higher than the mountains and sweeter than honey. The people of Pakistan hold their Chinese brethren in great esteem.

Language is the most potent identity of any culture. Pakistani educational institutes have started teaching Chinese as an additional language. The thirst for learning Chinese among Pakistanis shows their love for Chinese culture and a desire to understand Chinese society more closely. This is an encouraging trend essential to strengthen relations at the people to people level.

The Pakistani embassy has also started an Urdu language program for our Chinese friends to learn Urdu and to understand Pakistan's culture. This facility is free of cost. China has built a Chinese Cultural Center in Islamabad and opened up three Confucius Institutes in major cities in Pakistan. All these steps will help us to understand each other better and help our businesspeople understand more about China and its people.

China.org.cn: The China-Pakistan Year of Friendship was launched last month. What activities will be held?

Masood Khalid: The two governments have approved mutually agreed activities to celebrate the year of friendly exchanges 2015. The two governments have decided to send students, journalists, diplomats, academicians, artists and businessmen to cement our relationship. I hope these activities will generate more interest to bring our two peoples closer together.