Beijing, Islamabad : China says Pakistan is “an important state” of the region and called for respecting its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. A joint statement issued Friday simultaneously from Beijing and Islamabad at end of Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani’s four-day official visit, said China believes that Pakistan’s efforts for promotingpeace and stability in South Asia need to be recognized and supported.
The two countries noted that terrorism, separatism, extremism were posing serious threats to regional peace, stability, security and called for substantive cooperation. They agreed to jointly fight these under bilateral and multilateral frameworks.
“Chinese side recognized tremendous efforts and great sacrifice that Pakistan has made in fighting terrorism and reiterated its respect and support for efforts of Pakistan to advance its counter-terrorism strategy and safeguard its security,” joint statement stated.
Pakistan reiterated it would never allow its territory to be used to attack any country and continue to support international counter-terrorism cooperation.
Joint statement is based on formal meetings of Prime Minister Gilani with Chinese Hu Jintao, Premier Wen Jiabao, Chairman Jia Qinlin of National Committee of CPPCC & State Councilor Liu Yandong during which they reached broad agreement on continuing to work to promote China-Pakistan strategic partnership of cooperation.
Both countries agreed to strengthen communication, coordination in regional affairs, particularly on hot-spot issues such as Afghanistan and regional cooperation. They noted that against background of a complex and ever-changing international, regional situation, it was of significance to consolidate anddeepen China-Pakistan all weather strategic partnership of cooperation. It would be in line with principles and spirit of treaty of friendship, cooperation and good-neighborly relations between Pakistan and China signed in 2005.
Pakistan reiterated its firm commitment to 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, agriculture on priority in line with decisions taken during visit of Premier Wen Jiabao to Pakistan.
They also noted recent progress in mutually beneficial cooperation in financial and banking sectors. Both countries are in negotiations of a currency swap agreement and ICBC open its branches in Pakistan.
Pakistan and China also reiterated to continue to enhance mutual trust and cooperation in military andsecurity fields for peace, security, stability of two countries and, region. They also agreed to give further impetus to exchanges and cooperation in maritime security.
They observed excellent framework for bilateral trade, economic cooperation in form of 5-year development program on Trade, Economic Cooperation & China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement. Establishment of China-Pakistan Entrepreneurs Forum will further strengthen exchanges between businesscommunities. The two sides signed three agreements and MOU on cooperation in economic assistance, finance and mining.
Prime Minister Gilani and Chinese leadership reviewed with satisfaction growth of relations from strength to strength in past 60 years, since establishment of their ties and agreed that all-weather and time-tested friendship and dimensional cooperation have become defining features of these relations.
“The leaders are firmly committed to expanding and deepening strategic partnership, economic collaboration and people-to-people contacts.” They agreed China-Pakistan Friendship Year is occasion to celebrate friendship between two countries and opportunity to advance practical cooperation and make strategic partnership “more extensive and productive.” Both countries reviewed with satisfaction momentum of activities being held in political, economic collaboration and people-to-people contacts.
China reiterated that it always places high on its diplomatic agenda consolidating and developing relations with Pakistan and is firm on policy of pursuing friendly ties with Pakistan. It also appreciated long-standing, firm support of Pakistan on issues that concern China’s core interests. Pakistan appreciated strong support and selfless assistance of Chinese government and people for its economic, social development. It also thanked China for its assistance for relief efforts during severe floods and post-disaster reconstruction. Gilani invited Chinese leaders to pay official visits to Pakistan at mutually convenient time. PPI
