May 29, 2007	Tuesday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 12, 1428

HAMBURG, May 28: Foreign ministers of Pakistan and China agreed here on Monday to enhance economic cooperation between the two countries to the strategic level. The two leaders decided this at a meeting held here on the sidelines of ASEM.

During the meeting, Mr Kasuri said that Pakistan and China were good friends who had a longstanding commitment for mutual cooperation.

The foreign minister thanked the Chinese foreign minister for the support provided by China to Pakistan for becoming a member of ASEM.

“We should extend our excellent bilateral relations to the next generation,” Mr Kasuri told his Chinese counterpart.

The foreign minister particularly mentioned the joint Pakistan-China investment company and the Chinese help in the construction of new port at Gawadar.

Chinese Foreign Minister Yong Jiechi said that China was pleased that Pakistan had become a member of ASEM.

He expressed the hope that Islamabad would make useful contribution to this important multilateral forum.

Mr Yong Jiechi thanked Pakistan for helping China to become an observer in Saarc, and held out an assurance that China would continue to cooperate with Pakistan at all international fora.

Mr Kasuri invited Mr Yong Jiechi to visit Pakistan, and the Chinese leader accepted the invitation.

Besides the Chinese counterpart, the foreign minister met foreign ministers of Japan, Estonia, Luxembourg and EU External Affairs Commissioner.

During these meetings, Mr Kasuri discussed issues of bilateral interest and regional and international developments.—APP