A five-member delegation of the Association of Former Diplomats of China (AFDC), headed by its President, Ambassador Cai Fangbai, paid a visit to Pakistan from 2-8 December 2005, at the invitation of the Association of Retired Ambassadors (ARA) of Pakistan. Other members of the Chinese delegation were Ambassadors Zhang Chengli, Tang Mingxin, Zheng Dayong and Chen Wenzhao. This was a return visit of the AFDC after an ARA delegation had visited China in December 2003.

During the visit, the Delegation called on the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, H.E. Makhdum Khusro Bakhtyar; Acting Chairman, Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Nisar Memon and Acting Foreign Secretary Mr. Manzar Shafique also received the Delegation. The Pakistani dignitaries welcoming the visit expressed confidence that it would greatly contribute towards closer cooperation between the two friendly countries. They described China-Pakistan Relations exemplary and time tested. While expressing satisfaction over the present state of bilateral relations they, however, felt that much scope existed for further expansion of economic and cultural ties. The Chinese side reaffirmed that the friendly relations between the two countries will not be affected by domestic changes or developments at the regional and international scene. In fact the bilateral relations will further grow with the passage of time to meet new challenges.

. The AFDC Delegation and ARA held two sessions of talks. The two Associations reached a common understanding to build bridges of cooperation by intensifying efforts to promote trade and commerce between China and Pakistan and to promote travel and tourism between  the  two peoples. Besides, both sides exchanged views on regional and international issues of common concern and they reached broad consensus.  They also agreed to continue regular exchanges and cooperation between the two Associations. This would be beneficial to deepen mutual understanding and to further enhance bilateral relations between Pakistan and China.

            The  AFDC  Delegation  also visited Lahore and Karachi where they called on the Provincial Governors, met members of the Federation of Chamber of  Commerce and Industry as well as visited the Pakistan Institute of International  Affairs, Karachi.

The  Chinese  Delegation, during its  visit to Pakistan, was extended warm,  friendly  and  cordial  reception.  They   expressed   their    sincere  appreciation  and gratitude  and  invited  ARA  to send  a  delegation to visit China during the course  of next year.  The  invitation  was  accepted  with  thanks.