ISLAMABAD: Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi called on Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani at Prime Minister House on Tuesday and reaffirmed his government's support for Pakistan's independence, territorial integrity and dignity.

He said that China had encouraged the United States and India to promote relations with Pakistan and give due consideration to the legitimate demands of Pakistan.

He said that the Chinese government would support Pakistan's endeavour in improving relations with India and the US. The Chinese Foreign Minister appreciated the stance of Pakistan on Tibet, Taiwan and Xingjian.

Yang Jiechi  said that his country would continue to enhance co-operation with Pakistan in the fields of energy, infrastructure, agriculture, information technology, defence and education.

The Foreign Minister said that the financial institutions of China would give the highest consideration to extension of financial assistance to Pakistan in such fields as energy, infrastructure and communication.

The opening of a branch of National Bank of Pakistan in China will greatly facilitate the economic activities between the two countries, he added.

Prime Minister Gilani said that Pakistan and China had a time-tested friendship. He said that he remembered his meetings with the Chinese Executive Vice Premier in Bao, which were extremely cordial and productive.

The prime minister underscored the importance to fast-track the implementation of agreed projects in energy, mining, infrastructure, IT, telecom, agriculture and agro-based industries, engineering goods, railways, communication, finance and banking.

Minister for Defence Ahmad Mukhtar, Minister for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar, Minister for Water and Power Syed Naveed Qamar and senior government officials were present during the meeting.