ISLAMABAD, May 14: Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar and his visiting Chinese counterpart Tang Jiaxuan on Tuesday reiterated shared resolve to expand and further strengthen the close and cooperative relations between Pakistan and China.

The two foreign ministers with their respective aides covered a wide range of bilateral matters as well as issues of regional and international significance during the talks which lasted almost three hours.

The Chinese foreign minister arrived this afternoon on a two-day official visit to Pakistan at the head of a 8-member delegation. Minister Sattar received the distinguished guests at the airport.

The Chinese FM assured Pakistan of China’s continued support in all spheres.

The two FMs agreed to establish a Pakistan- China Eminent Persons Friendship Forum. The Forum will work as a catalyst to promote relations between the two countries.

It was also agreed to institutionalize consultations between the foreign ministries of Pakistan and China in areas of counter-terrorism and arms control. These consultations will be held regularly at senior officials’ level.

The Chinese FM announced his government’s decision to designate Pakistan as a tourist destination for Chinese tourists. This decision will facilitate visits to Pakistan by tourists from China.

Before the talks, the Chinese foreign minister gave 30 computers and 30 printers to Sattar as a gift to Pakistan foreign ministry. —APP