BOAO, April 24: Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali and President Hu Jintao on Saturday reaffirmed their commitment to boost trade and economic ties between the two countries. The two leaders met here on the sidelines of the Boao Forum for Asia 2004 for over half-an-hour meeting that covered all aspects of the strong ties that have continued to develop between the two countries.

Foreign Secretary Riaz Khokhar described it as "a solid bilateral meeting that covered issues from bilateral, political and economic ties to regional and international matters of mutual concern."

Prime Minister Jamali appreciated China's economic rise and said it was good not only for Pakistan-China relations but also for the region and the world.

He said: "The two countries enjoy all-weather friendship which is unaffected by extraneous factors."

Pakistan's Ambassador to China Riaz Mohammad Khan told newsmen that there was stress on greater economic and trade ties between the two countries.

President Hu Jintao appreciated Pakistan's interest in the Boao forum and said it was evident by the attendance of President Musharraf and Prime Minister Jamali.

President Hu Jintao described Pakistan-China friendship as "profound" and said these had developed over decades into "a comprehensive cooperative friendship and partnership". He said whatever the international situation, this relation would not change.

He expressed his satisfaction that the Pakistan and India were holding a dialogue. He also referred to Prime Minister Jamali's offer of ceasefire to India and hoped for a peaceful resolution of all outstanding disputes between the two countries.

He said China supported efforts to resolve all issues, including Kashmir. "This is important for peace in Asia," he added.

On the political front, he said both the countries supported each other. Pakistan has always extended support to China on the issue of Taiwan, Tibet and human rights while China has always been supportive of Pakistan's position for holding a dialogue on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir.

Prime Minister Jamali said he was looking forward to the resolution of all outstanding issues with India, including the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir. He hoped that there would be forward movement once the Indian elections were over.

He said Pakistan wished to further improve relations with all its neighbours including India.

Mr Jamali said the joint declaration signed between Pakistan and China in November needed to be further developed to consolidate relations between the two countries.

The Chinese President said China would like to expand economic relations with Pakistan.

Mr Jamali thanked the Chinese government for investments in Pakistan and said there was still room for more.

He noted the Chinese assistance in the construction of the Gawadar port and the Thar coal project.

Pakistan and China have enjoyed long history of exemplary bilateral ties and their leaders regularly consult each other on matters of regional and international issues. China is Pakistan's major trading partner.

Chinese sources told APP in Beijing the meeting was very fruitful and productive.

President Hu Jintao spoke highly of the existing Sino-Pakistan friendship and the efforts of the Pakistani leadership in promoting their friendly cooperation at various fields.

"We believe that the Sino-Pakistani comprehensive cooperation partnership will continuously bear fruits and make important contribution to peace, stability and prosperity in Asia," the Chinese President said.-APP