BEIJING, March 24: Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali said on Monday that China and Pakistan had unanimity of views on all international issues including the war in Iraq.
The prime minister was talking to journalists after holding talks with the newly-elected Chinese Prime Minister, Wen Jiobao, at the Great Hall of the People.
Mr Jamali said that Pakistan and China had excellent bila-teral relations. “We want not only to continue but also to further enhance these existing ties between the two countries.”
Mr Jamali appreciated China’s continued support to Kashmir issue and added that Chinese leadership appreciated Pakistan’s stance to resolve all outstanding issues through peaceful means.
Replying to a question, Mr Jamali reiterated his opposition to war in Iraq and said that China fully shared the views. “We did not and would not support war.”
The PM expressed concern over the loss of lives in Iraq and said that he and the Chinese prime minister, during their talks underlined the need to bring an early end to the sufferings of the Iraqi people.
Mr Jamali said the new Chinese leadership reiterated their continuous support on Kashmir and hoped the issue should be resolved through peaceful means.
About presence of Osama bin Laden in Pakistan the Prime Minister said, “This is a wrong connotation. He is not in Pakistan”.
Mr Jamali thanked the new Chinese leadership for the sentiments they expressed while welcoming him and said: “The results will be good”.
Earlier, the Chinese prime minister in his welcome address before start of the talks said that Prime Minister of Pakistan was the first foreign dignitary he had received after assuming power.
“I and my people warmly welcome you in China”, Prime Minister Wen Jiobao said.
The Chinese Prime Minister referring to Mr Jamali’s first speech in the National Assembly of Pakistan reminded the Pakistani delegation that China was the only country referred to by the Prime Minister in his address. “It shows how much importance Pakistan gives to its relations with China.”
“Whatever was in my heart, I spoke,” Mr Jamali responded.
Mr Jamali said: “We are pleased and honoured to come to a friendly country as the first guest of the new Chinese leadership. It shows the strength of our decades old relationship”.
TALKS WITH HU JINTAO: Mr Jamali will hold talks with the Chinese President Hu Jintao in Beijing on Tuesday.
He is also scheduled to deliver a speech on Pakistan’s policy of peace and security in South Asia, at a ceremony to be held the same day. He will also meet Madam He Luli, Vice Chairperson of the National People Congress.
Defence Minister Gen Cao Gangchuan will call on the Prime Minister to discuss matters relating to military cooperation between the two countries.
During his stay, he will also have an interview with Chinese Central Television and China Radio International.—APP
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