Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao. — Photo by AFP

SAINT PETERSBURG: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Monday expressed their resolve to further strengthen bilateral ties in economic, defence and energy sectors for the mutual benefit of the two countries.

The two leaders who met on the sidelines of the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation here discussed issues of strategic and economic cooperation between their countries.

They discussed the matters relating to agriculture, power generation and finance besides reviewing progress in Sino-Pak bilateral ties.

Both reviewed strategic and defence cooperation besides exchanging views on trade cooperation.

The two sides also discussed the means to carry out projects of communication including railway and road links and fibre optic.

Prime Minister Gilani sought investment by Chinese companies in Pakistan's various areas and stressed the need for making efforts to realise the full potential of bilateral trade.

Premier Wen assured Prime Minister Gilani of China's commitment to further strengthen its relations with Pakistan in all fields.

Both leaders were of the view that the two nations were against terrorism and would continue to cooperate with each other to eliminate this threat.

Gilani said it was time to address the global economic crisis and find out a way to counter its impact on growing economies.

During the meeting the two leaders also noted that both Pakistan and China share similar views on important regional and global issues and will continue to extend support to each other on all levels.

They also agreed on exploiting the full potential of the two business communities to boost their economy and trade.

Editorial

Ominous demands
Updated 18 May, 2024

Ominous demands

The federal government needs to boost its revenues to reduce future borrowing and pay back its existing debt.
Property leaks
18 May, 2024

Property leaks

THE leaked Dubai property data reported on by media organisations around the world earlier this week seems to have...
Heat warnings
18 May, 2024

Heat warnings

STARTING next week, the country must brace for brutal heatwaves. The NDMA warns of severe conditions with...
Dangerous law
Updated 17 May, 2024

Dangerous law

It must remember that the same law can be weaponised against it one day, just as Peca was when the PTI took power.
Uncalled for pressure
17 May, 2024

Uncalled for pressure

THE recent press conferences by Senators Faisal Vawda and Talal Chaudhry, where they demanded evidence from judges...
KP tussle
17 May, 2024

KP tussle

THE growing war of words between KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and Governor Faisal Karim Kundi is affecting...