PESHAWAR, Dec 20: A delegation of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries called on NWFP Governor Ali Mohammad Jan Aurakzai at the Governor’s House here on Wednesday.

The seven-member delegation, led by the association’s vice-president Li Xiaolin, is visiting Pakistan on an invitation by the Pakistan-China Friendship Association.

Talking to the delegation, the governor highlighted the importance of friendship between the two countries.

“The friendship exists at the people’s level and we are proud of it,” said Mr Aurakzai. “Relations between the two countries are of a unique nature and the people of the two countries have great respect for each other.

“This reflects the nature of a very special state of friendly relations existing between the peoples.” The governor mentioned various agreements concluded between the two countries recently, saying this would strengthen the friendship further.

He appreciated the work carried out by the Pakistan-China Friendship Association and said it should continue its efforts aimed at exploring avenues for bringing the peoples closer. People-to-people contact was essential for strengthening the bonds of friendship.

The Chinese delegation invited the governor to visit China. Tasleem Hussain, president, and Ali Nawaz Gilani, secretary-general of the Pakistan-China Friendship Association, were also present on the occasion.

—PPI