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BEIJING: China has termed Pakistan an important state of the region and called for respecting its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.
A joint statement issued on Friday simultaneously from Islamabad and Beijing at the end of Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani’s four-day visit said: “China believes that Pakistan’s efforts for promoting peace and stability in South Asia need to be recognised and supported.”
The two countries were of the opinion that separatism, terrorism and extremism posed serious threats to regional peace, stability and security and called for substantive cooperation. They agreed to jointly fight these under bilateral and multilateral frameworks.
“The Chinese side recognised the tremendous efforts and great sacrifice that Pakistan has made in fighting terrorism and reiterated its respect and support for Pakistan’s efforts to advance its counter-terrorism strategy and safeguard its security,” the statement said.
Pakistan reiterated that it would never allow its territory to be used to attack any other country and would continue to support international counter-terrorism cooperation.
The statement is based on formal meetings of Prime Minister Gilani with Chinese President Hu Jintao, Premier Wen Jiabao, Chairman of the CPPCC’s National Committee Jia Qinlin and State Councillor Liu Yandong.
The two countries agreed to promote the strategic partnership of cooperation and to strengthen communication and coordination in regional affairs, particularly the Afghan issue and regional cooperation.
The two countries noted that against the background of a complex and ever-changing international and regional situation, it was of significance to consolidate and deepen the China-Pakistan all-weather strategic partnership of cooperation. It will be in line with the principles and spirit of the treaty of friendship, cooperation and good neighbourly relations between Pakistan and China signed in 2005.
Pakistan reiterated its firm commitment to the One-China Policy and extended support for the cause of China’s unification.
The two countries agreed to further intensify cooperation in infrastructure development, energy and agriculture on a priority basis in line with the decisions taken during the visit of Premier Wen Jiabao to Pakistan.
They expressed satisfaction over recent progress in mutually beneficial cooperation in financial and banking sectors. Both the countries are in negotiations of a currency swap agreement and the ICBC will open its branches in Pakistan.
They reiterated their commitment to continuing to enhance mutual trust and cooperation in military and security fields for peace, security and stability of the two countries and the region. They agreed to give further impetus to the exchanges and cooperation in the field of maritime security.
The two countries expressed satisfaction over the excellent framework for bilateral trade and economic cooperation in the form of five-year development programme and the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement. “The establishment of the China- Pakistan Entrepreneurs Forum will further strengthen exchanges between their business communities,” the statement said.
The two countries signed three agreements and memorandums of understanding on cooperation in the fields of economic assistance, finance and mining.
Prime Minister Gilani and the Chinese leadership reviewed with satisfaction the growth of Pakistan-China relations over the past 60 years and agreed that the all-weather and time-tested friendship and dimensional cooperation had become the defining features of these relations.
The two countries reviewed with satisfaction the momentum of activities being held in political, economic collaboration and people-to-people contacts.
China reiterated that it always placed high on its diplomatic agenda consolidating and developing relations with Pakistan and was firm on the policy of pursuing friendly ties with Pakistan. It also praised Pakistan’s long-standing and firm support for China on issues concerning its core interests.
Pakistan praised China’s strong support and selfless assistance in its economic and social development and in relief efforts during last year’s devastating floods.
Prime Minister Gilani invited Chinese leaders to visit Pakistan.
MEETING: Chinese President Hu Jintao saluted on Friday Prime Minister Gilani as an “old friend” of Beijing, extending more warm words to Pakistan as it faces US pressure after Osama bin Laden’s killing.
Before their talks at the Great Hall of the People, the Chinese president said Mr Gilani’s visit would “certainly give a strong boost to the good neighbourly friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation” between the two countries.
Defence Minister Ahmad Mukhtar said Pakistan hoped to take delivery within the next six months of 50 JF-17 Thunder aircraft manufactured jointly with China, already Pakistan’s main arms supplier—Agencies
