BEIJING, Nov 5: The cosy relationship enjoyed by Pakistan and China was made plain on Wednesday in a joint declaration in which bilateral ties were deemed “exemplary”.

Signed by President Pervez Musharraf and his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao, the communique described cooperation between the two countries as an “indispensable” factor in maintaining peace and stability in Asia.

The partnership was defined by President Musharraf as “deeper than the oceans, higher than the mountains” as he extolled the future global role of China.

“The past belongs to Europe, the present belongs to the United States and the future belongs to Asia,” he said in a speech to the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade.

“In that, China’s role is critical. China’s role is critical not only because of its economic strength and its performance, but also because of its geographic might.”

Despite the upbeat nature of his three-day visit, President Musharraf could not finalize a deal for China’s multi-million dollar assistance to build a nuclear power plant, although a consensus has been reached.

Before President Musharraf’s arrival in China, a foreign ministry official in Islamabad said that financial and technical arrangements would be signed during the summit meeting.

This, however, failed to materialize, with China’s foreign ministry saying consultations “were continuing”.

Beijing has already helped Pakistan build the first stage of the Chashma nuclear power plant in Punjab, despite the US repeatedly urging it to halt nuclear cooperation with Pakistan.

Observers noted that its assistance in the second phase would allow Islamabad to obtain enriched plutonium while being a non-signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Nevertheless, President Musharraf’s trip, which he wrapped up on Wednesday by meeting Defence Minister Cao Gangchuan and military strongman Jiang Zemin, was seen as a success.

He won continued Chinese support for Pakistan’s territorial disputes while both sides agreed to strengthen military cooperation, according to the joint statement.

The joint statement also trumpeted bilateral trade and economic relations and pledged to build on them, particularly in the fields of technology, tourism, investment and agriculture.

“Let me reiterate that China’s economic miracle of the last 20 years is a beacon for all developing countries like Pakistan,” said President Musharraf, as he praised Beijing’s achievements in reducing poverty, boosting foreign reserves, growing exports and attracting foreign investment.

PERVEZ-JIANG MEETING: In a meeting with President Pervez Musharraf on Wednesday, Central Military Commission chairman Jiang Zemin said China regarded Pakistan as an earnest friend and brother.