Chinese, Pakistani PMs hold talks ahead of SCO meeting
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Xinhua, November 7, 2011
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and Pakistani Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani discussed bilateral ties Monday ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) prime ministers' meeting.
During their meeting, Wen said, in recent years, China and Pakistan had boosted their high-level exchanges, strategic coordination and mutually beneficial cooperation and safeguarded their common interests and the two had thus played important roles in international and regional affairs.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic links between the two countries.
Wen said China stood ready to take the anniversary and "the China-Pakistan Friendship Year" as a fresh starting point for elevating their ties to a higher level and bring more benefits to the two peoples.
He stressed that China firmly supported Pakistan's drive to safeguard its national sovereignty and dignity and was willing to work with Pakistan to meet the security challenges.
China would, as always, provide assistance for Pakistan's economic and social development and honor its commitments on issues related to Pakistan's post-quake reconstruction efforts, Wen said.
Wen voiced hope that Pakistan would overcome its current difficulties and make fresh progress in its development.
Gilani said that, as a reliable friend and partner, China had long provided unflagging support and valuable assistance for Pakistan.
Expressing his heartfelt thanks, Gilani said the Pakistani side was ready to make concerted efforts with China to further promote high-level exchanges and advance cooperation in such areas as the economy and trade, energy, infrastructure construction, finance and culture.
Pakistan would also strengthen coordination with China in international and regional affairs and pledge mutual support on issues concerning their respective core interests in a bid to push forward their strategic partnership and make positive contributions to regional peace, stability and development, he said.
Wen arrived here Sunday to attend the 10th Meeting of the Prime Ministers of the Member States of the SCO, due to open later Monday.
The SCO, founded in Shanghai on June 15, 2001, groups China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
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