Islamabad : Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said there is a
"complete convergence of views" between Islamabad and Beijing on global
and regional issues as Pakistan hosts a top Chinese official whose visit
comes amid a clash between the government and the army.
Gilani Friday said Pakistan and China's comprehensive cooperation and
robust partnership was in the fundamental interest of their people and
conducive to peace, progress and stability of Asia.
"There is a complete convergence of views of our two countries on the
global and regional issues and a commonality of approach to advance the
international agenda for peace and prosperity," Gilani said while
speaking at a banquet he hosted in honour of the visiting State
Councillor of China Dai Bingguo here.
Dai Bingguo, an expert on South Asian affairs, is visiting Pakistan as a representative of Chinese President Hu Jintao.
The visit takes place as a tussle broke out between the army and the government.
"There cannot be a state within a state. Nobody can say that he is
not under the government," Gilani said in the National Assembly
Thursday, adding: "Conspiracies are being hatched to pack up an elected
government."
Pakistan Army chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, however, dispelled
speculations of a military takeover and assured the nation that the army
will support the democratic process in the country.
Dai Bingguo, while reiterating China's commitment to further bolster
the deep-rooted ties with Pakistan, said that Beijing wants to intensify
amicable and cooperative relations with Islamabad.
"China is firmly committed to deepening friendship and partnership
with neighboring countries. We want to intensify amicable and
cooperative relations with Pakistan and other neighboring countries,"
Dai Bingguo said.
The prime minister Friday termed the friendship with China as the
cornerstone of Pakistan's foreign policy and said: "The relations
between Pakistan and China go beyond governments and are deeply rooted
in the hearts and minds of our peoples."
"China's economic transformation, technological excellence and spirit
of innovation elicit our respect and admiration," Associated Press of
Pakistan quoted Gilani as saying.
Gilani said that Pakistan desires stability and peace in the region.
"We believe that regional economic cooperation is essential for progress and prosperity." IANS