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ISLAMABAD: China has reiterated its firm support to Pakistan's endeavors in upholding its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The assurance came during the three-day visit of Representative of Chinese President Hu Jintao and State Councilor of the State Council of China Dai Bingguo, China's Ambassador to Pakistan Liu Jian said Monday.
The ambassador in his briefing on the visit of Dai Bingguo to Pakistan said the visit, though short, proved fruitful.
He said China supports Pakistan's efforts in maintaining its national stability and unity, creating a sound external environment, developing its economy, and improving the livelihood of its people, by fully exploiting its geographical advantage.
Dai Bingguo also emphasized that the international community should fully recognize the significant contributions made by Pakistan for the international campaign against terrorism and continues to render strong support for Pakistan.
He said the visit was aimed at marking the 60th anniversary of the founding of China-Pakistan diplomatic relations and the “Year of China-Pakistan Friendship”, and secondly to discuss with Pakistani leaders how to carry forward the traditional friendship, deepen cooperation and shape a better future for bilateral ties.
During the visit, Dai Bingguo held in-depth discussions with Pakistan's civilian and military leaders and reached broad consensus on further promoting China-Pakistan strategic cooperative partnership.
Dai thanked the Pakistani side for its longstanding and valuable support on issues that concern China's core interests.
“Our two sides have signed 6 agreements including the Supplementary Agreement on Extension of Five Year Development Programme on Trade and Economic Cooperation, and a 10-billion-yuan (1.58 billion US dollars) currency swap agreement between People's Bank of China and the State Bank of Pakistan.”
“This visit is a tour of friendship, and a tour of cooperation. It's our firm belief that this visit will further consolidate and strengthen the strategic partnership of cooperation existing between China and Pakistan.”
The ambassador also thanked Pakistan for the gracious hospitality and thoughtful arrangements for Dai Bingguo and his delegation.
