BEIJING, Jan 4: Relations between Pakistan and China have deepened and developed in an effective manner, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman said here on Thursday. “These relations have important significance for peace and stability in South Asia as well as the whole world,” the spokesman, Liu Jianchao, said at a press briefing while replying to a question regarding celebrations held in 2006 to mark the 55th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries and their impact on future ties.

He said Chinese President Hu Jintao paid a successful visit to Pakistan during the year, which marked a milestone. During the visit both the countries reviewed past development of their relations and formulated a future work plan for strengthening them, the spokesman said.

He noted that the two sides had agreed that their bilateral relations had a strategic significance.

The spokesman said the two sides were glad and encouraged to see that the bilateral relations had undergone great intensity.

He expressed the hope the relations would continue to follow the track of past development.--APP