China, Pakistan to cement strategic cooperative partnership
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Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and top political advisor Jia Qinglin met with Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari respectively in Beijing on Thursday, and both sides agreed to further step up the bilateral strategic cooperative partnership.
With regard to trade cooperation, Wen told Zardari that the Chinese government attaches great importance to its trade ties with Pakistan which not only benefit the two peoples but also have strategic significance to the long-term development of the two economies.
He suggested both sides draw up a plan for trade cooperation, and take effective measures to offer reliable policy, financial and security guarantees to major bilateral infrastructure projects.
Wen also encouraged both countries to enhance personnel, information and technology exchanges among enterprises, and make full play of the China-Pakistan free trade area to boost trade cooperation.
Next year will mark the 60th anniversary of China-Pakistan diplomatic relations. Wen said China is willing to take the opportunity of the 60th anniversary to propel bilateral relations to a new stage.
Zardari, who is on his fifth China tour since taking office in September of 2008, said his frequent visits to China revealed the importance his government attached to developing relations with China and his affection of the Chinese people.
He extended gratitude to China's support and help to his country over the years, adding Pakistan would like to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in the areas of trade, infrastructure construction and culture, and join hands to fight terrorism.
Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), China's top advisory body, told Zardari that China has always valued its relationship with Pakistan, and treats the bilateral ties from a strategic and long-term perspective.
Jia applauded the Pakistani government's firm support in issues concerning China's core interests, saying that China would work with Pakistan to cement traditional friendship and act on all consensuses reached by the two sides.
Jia hoped the two nations would work together to push forward the bilateral strategic partnership of cooperation, in a bid to benefit the two peoples and promote regional peace and prosperity.
Jia said the CPPCC attached great importance to friendly cooperation with Pakistan, and would work with Pakistan's parliament to expand personnel exchanges, especially between the youth from both nations.
He hoped the two sides would make full preparation for celebrating the 60th anniversary of China-Pakistan diplomatic ties.
Zardari said Pakistan firmly adheres to the one-China policy and holds the policy of carrying forward friendship with China from generation to generation.
Zardari agreed that Pakistan would make joint efforts with China to increase cooperation in various sectors to push forward bilateral ties.
Zardari arrived in Beijing Tuesday evening on a five-day working visit to China. He will leave for Shanghai later this week, and visit the Pakistani Pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo.
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