TIANJIN (China), Sept 11: China said on Tuesday it fully supported Pakistan on all its regional and international issues.
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao reiterated his government’s stance of supporting sovereignty and integrity of Pakistan when he met Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting of New Champions 2012.
The two leaders reaffirmed their governments' resolve to further strengthen relations in diverse fields, particularly trade and defence.
The first official meeting between the two leaders which was scheduled for 25 minutes lasted about 40 minutes.
The two sides noted that Pakistan and China shared similar views on important regional and global issues and would continue to extend support to each others at all levels.
Prime Ministers Raja Ashraf and Wen Jiabao discussed a whole gamut of issues ranging from bilateral ties, defence cooperation, infrastructure development, energy, agriculture and banking.
The Pakistani premier said his country attached great importance to enhancing economic and trade links with China which included promoting closer collaboration in projects on energy, telecommunication and railways.
Chinese Premier Wen welcomed the prime minister on his first official visit to China and said it reflected the level of Pak-China friendship and the importance Pakistan gave to China. He conveyed best wishes for President Asif Ali Zardari and for the people of Pakistan.
He said that China considered Pakistan its friend and underscored the importance of time-tested strategic partnership between the two countries.
He expressed appreciation for Pakistan's role in the fight against terrorism and extremism and called for greater international recognition of its efforts and sacrifices in this regard.
Both the leaders were of the view that the two nations were opposed to terrorism and would continue to cooperate with each other to eliminate this threat.
Prime Minister Raja Ashraf sought investment by Chinese companies in Pakistan's various areas and stressed the need for making efforts to realise full potential of bilateral trade. He termed the Chinese help in carrying out mega projects in Pakistan significant. He said it was high time to address the global economic crisis and find ways to counter its impact on growing economies.
The Chinese prime minister stressed the need for regional approach for resolving regional issues and said it was in the interest of the people of all countries.
The two sides agreed on exploiting full potential of the business communities to boost their economy and trade. They renewed their focus on achieving the target of $15 billion bilateral trade.
It was agreed that China would support the National Bank of Pakistan to launch financial bonds worth 6.5 billion renminbi in China.
Prime Minister Ashraf was told that the machinery from China to carry out work at the Attabad Lake would reach Pakistan in October.—APP