Pakistan, China agree on expanding bilateral relations
BEIJING: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jeichi on Monday expressed satisfaction at the current state of Pak-China strategic cooperation and agreed to further expand bilateral cooperation.
Qureshi, who is currently visiting China, held formal talks with his Chinese counterpart at the Chinese Foreign Ministry. During the meeting, the two sides discussed and reviewed bilateral, regional and international issues.
The Pakistani FM referred to China as Pakistan’s “time-tested and all-weather friend” and emphasised the fact that relations with China remain the cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy. He said the exchange of high-level visits demonstrate the importance that the two sides attach to the relations between them, adding that President Zardari was looking forward to his visit to China later this year. Qureshi reiterated Pakistan’s unequivocal, unconditional and complete support to China on all issues including Taiwan, Tibet and Xinjiang.
He explained Pakistan’s perspective on its struggle against terrorism including the government’s multidimensional strategy to completely root out terrorism. He also briefed Yang on Pakistan’s perspective of the evolving regional situation, especially Pakistan’s efforts to develop friendly relations with India and the peaceful settlement of the Afghan conflict.
Chinese FM Yang hailed the unique trust and friendship characterising Pakistan-China relations. He said the further development of Sino-Pakistan relations remained an important priority of the Chinese neighbourhood policy. He agreed on the need to further expand bilateral economic and trade relations, and said that China would encourage competent Chinese enterprises to invest in Pakistan. He welcomed the development of a comprehensive institutional framework for the further development of Pakistan-China economic and trade relations. app