URUMQI, May 13 (China Economic Net) - On May 12, Urumqi and Peshawar, Pakistan, celebrated the 41st anniversary of their sister-city relationship, with representatives from both sides gathering to renew friendship and explore cooperation.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of China-Pakistan diplomatic relations. In 1985, Urumqi and Peshawar officially became international sister cities - the first of their kind in Xinjiang - opening a new chapter for Urumqi's foreign exchanges and cooperation.

Yakup Paydulla, mayor of Urumqi, noted in his address that since the establishment of the sister-city relationship, the two sides have carried out productive cooperation in government-to-government exchanges, friendly delegation visits, economic and trade fairs (such as the Urumqi Trade Fair and the Eurasia Commodities Trade Expo), cultural exchange, and language learning. These efforts, he said, have continuously deepened the friendship between the two cities.

Looking ahead, the mayor said the two cities enjoy broad prospects for cooperation. Urumqi stands ready to work with Peshawar to continuously advance mutual visits between government bodies, parliaments and goodwill delegations. It will also deepen pragmatic cooperation in key areas such as economy and trade, agricultural science and technology, infrastructure, energy and people's livelihoods, so that the outcomes of friendship and cooperation can better benefit people on both sides.

Babar Saleem Swati, Speaker of the Provincial Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa of Pakistan, said in his speech that China-Pakistan friendship is rooted in history, mutual trust and respect. Regions of the two countries have long been closely linked via the ancient Silk Road, which has served as a bridge for cultural exchanges and economic development.

He expressed the hope that Peshawar and Urumqi will take this event as an opportunity to carry forward their tradition of friendship, share the responsibility for development, and expand exchanges and cooperation in education, science and technology, culture, agriculture, trade, and other fields - enriching the bilateral relationship with vivid examples of cooperation and contributing to the building of an even closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future.

At the event, representatives from both sides jointly created a calligraphy piece reading "China-Pakistan Friendship Lasts Forever," exchanged commemorative gifts, and watched a cultural performance together.