LAHORE, Nov 25: Chinese President Hu Jintao on Saturday declared that the Sino-Pakistan traditional strategic partnership would remain intact under all circumstances.

“The changing global scenario with critical challenges or the situation in the region will not affect our evergreen friendship,” he said while addressing a civic reception at the Shalamar Gardens.

He said the friendship between Pakistan and China was vital for prosperity and stability in the region. “Let’s make joint efforts to further cement this friendship with hands in hands.”

Pakistan, he said, was his country's major trading partner in South Asia and added that China would extend all out support to Pakistan for its economic development and rapid industrialisation. “Chinese can leave gold, not the friendship with Pakistan,” Mr Hu said.

He recalled that the Pakistan-China Friendship Association started its journey from Lahore in 1960s while Punjab and Jiangsu were tied up in the relation of twin-provinces in 1990s.

“Seven cities and provinces of both countries have now developed bilateral relations and (are) cooperating with each other in a number of fields,” he pointed out.

“I extend good wishes and compliments to the people of Lahore and Punjab on behalf of 1.3 billion people of China,” he said.

He described Lahore as a jewel in the crown of Punjab.

Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, welcoming the Chinese president, said: “People of Lahore can never forget the unflinching support that China extended when the city became target of aggression 40 years ago.”—APP