RAWALPINDI, Aug 6: President Gen Pervez Musharraf Friday said increased people-to-people contacts will further deepen the time-tested friendship between Pakistan and China.

Welcoming the teachers and students of Urdu Department of Beijing University, who called on him, the president said the two countries have long-lasting and strong bonds of friendship and cooperation between them in various fields has been exemplary.

The Chinese delegation, including two faculty members and eight students, is currently in Pakistan at the invitation of the president. "The people of Pakistan have great love and esteem for the people of China, and I am confident that further contacts between them will carry forward the excellent bilateral relationship to the next generation."

Pakistan, President Musharraf said, had great admiration for China's fast-paced development in various fields and said Pakistan would like to benefit from China's rapid economic progress.

Recalling his visit to Beijing University last year, the president said he had very good interaction with the Chinese intelligentsia as they expressed the strong desire of close ties between the two countries.

The Chinese delegation, led by Prof Kong Julan, requested the president to depute a professor of Urdu for the Chinese alma mater to further promote the language in their country.

Agreeing with the suggestion, the president directed the education ministry to depute a Pakistani Urdu scholar for the Beijing University, who has been teaching Urdu since 1954.

The president also agreed to the suggestion of Chinese delegation for annual exchange of visits of students on alternate basis. Later, Prof Julan, who also has Pakistani name of Fatima, described the meeting with the president as very friendly and cordial. "We have been greatly impressed by president's gesture and his desire to further strengthen Pakistan-China ties."

In their comments students termed their meeting with President Musharraf as a great honour and lifetime experience Teacher Zhang Jianei (Tahira) said President Musharraf is a visionary leader, who has played an important role in the progress of Pakistan and strengthening of relationship between two countries.

The students, who have been visiting various parts of the country including Taxila during their two-week visit, appreciated the steps taken by the Government of Pakistan for preserving the artefacts of ancient civilizations. Signifying their love for Pakistan all members of the delegation have chosen Pakistani names corresponding to meanings of their Chinese names. -APP