Chinese Premier vows to develp strategic partnership with Pakistan

Islamabad, May 23, IRNA -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said Wednesday that growing friendly relations with Pakistan was a firm policy of the Chinese government. ˈNo matter how the regional and international situation may evolve‚ China will remain committed to consolidating and developing its strategic partnership of cooperation with Pakistan‚ˈ he said in his arrival statement and later at a luncheon hosted his honour by President Asif Ali Zardari. He said China would continue to firmly support Pakistan in its efforts to uphold independence‚ sovereignty and territorial integrity and achieve national stability and development. Li Keqiang said he was on official visit to Pakistan on the invitation of President Asif Ali Zardari and have brought with him the friendship of the Chinese people towards the Pakistani people. ˈOn behalf of the government and people of China‚ I wish to pay high tribute and extend best wishes to the government and people of Pakistan‚ˈ the Chinese premier said. He remarked that Pakistan was an important country in the region and it has made significant contribution to peace‚ stability and development of the region and the world at large. ˈChina and Pakistan are all-weather strategic partners. Over the past 62 years since establishment of the diplomatic relations‚ our two countries have enjoyed a political relationship of equality and mutual trust‚ engaged in win-win economic cooperation and extend mutual understanding and support on issues involving each otherˈs interests.” He said relationship between the two countries was an excellent example of countries of different social systems living in amity with each other. Li Keqiang said he was visiting Pakistan for the purpose of carrying forward friendship‚ deepening cooperation and mapping out future course. The Chinese Premier said he has selected Pakistan for his official visit to give a clear and loud message to the international community that whatsoever happens at the international scene our relations with Pakistan will continue to flourish and further strengthen. He said both the countries have deep-rooted relations which have been developed by every passing generation. He said his country will continue to extend cooperation to Pakistan for its progress and development. Premier Li said his visit is aimed at consolidating the time-tested friendship with Pakistan and show the world that China intends to continue this partnership. He appreciated President Asif Ali Zardari for his pivotal role in giving new dimension to Pak-China relations. He said China wants long lasting relation with Pakistan to further grow in future in all fields. Addressing on the occasion‚ President Asif Ali Zardari has appreciated Chinese stead fast support for Pakistan sovereignty‚ territorial integrity and independence. President Zardari said that choosing Pakistan for his first visit after assuming power demonstrates depth of time-tested friendship between the two countries. “It will prove another landmark in our relations which will go a long way in further strengthening our relations”. The President said Pakistan wants to take advantage of the Chinese experiences in its socio-economic development. President Zardari said Pakistan is moving towards peaceful‚ democratic transition of power after general elections and hoped the newly elected government will continue to work for further cementing relations with Chinese government and people. He invited Chinese investors and businessmen to come Pakistan and taking advantage of lucrative investment opportunities should also contribute in our economic development‚ especially overcoming power crisis. Earlier‚ Chinese Premier and President Asif Ali Zardari held one-on-one meeting at the Presidency focusing on further expanding bilateral cooperation in diverse fields and strengthening existing strategic partnership between the two countries. President Asif Ali Zardari conferred the country’s highest civil award “Nishan e Pakistan” on the Chinese Prime Minister for his meritorious services for strengthening Pak-China relations./end