01 October 2004	Friday	15 Shaban 1425

ISLAMABAD, Sept 30: President Gen Pervez Musharraf said on Thursday that the exemplary relationship between Pakistan and China would be strengthened in the years to come.

In a message to People's Republic of China President Hu Jintao on the state's 55th National Day, he said the relationship, which had withstood the test of time and was deeply rooted in popular ethos, would be strengthened for the mutual benefit of the people of the two countries.

He said Pakistan greatly valued its friendship with China. "We greatly admire the impressive economic progress and the spectacular development achieved by the People's Republic of China," he said.

He said the people of Pakistan rejoiced with their Chinese friends on the national accomplishments of China.

PM: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, in his message to the premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, Wen Jiabao, said the "all weather" friendship between Pakistan and China had brought stability to the region and the relationship would strengthen in all areas.

He said Pakistan and China enjoyed a longstanding and time tested friendship, which had been carried forward from generation to generation. He said: "This all-weather friendship has been a factor of stability in the region. We greatly treasure this relationship and genuinely desire to further strengthen it in all fields."

"The people of Pakistan warmly applaud China's impressive economic development and derive satisfaction and strength from the phenomenal progress that China has achieved in a short span of time," he said. -APP