ISLAMABAD, April 26: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Saturday sought China’s assistance to help Pakistan overcome food and energy shortages.

Talking to Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, who called on him here, Prime Minister Gilani said his government would welcome Chinese cooperation to quickly and effectively deal with the pressing problems.

He said the government was working on various measures to overcome these challenges.

Rising food prices have curtailed the accessibility of half of the country’s population to affordable food. Shortage of wheat flour has been more prominent, he added.

Mr Yang extended Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao’s invitation to Mr Gilani to visit China and assured him of his government’s desire to work closely with Pakistan and strengthen their strategic cooperation.

The two agreed to boost trade, investment and cooperation in defence, science and technology, education besides enhancing people-to-people contact.

Foreign Minister Jiechi also called on President Pervez Musharraf.

In his meeting with President Musharraf, the Chinese foreign minister appreciated Pakistan’s role in promoting peace, security and regional stability and lauded its contribution in the fight against terrorism.