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China, Pakistan reaffirm all-weather friendship

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Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani Wednesday reaffirmed their "all-weather" friendship as the two countries celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R) meets with visiting Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, May 18, 2011. [Zhang Duo/Xinhua]

The two leaders held talks at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing Wednesday afternoon and pledged to "inject new vitality into the friendship and cooperation" between the two countries by celebrating the anniversary. This year is also the China-Pakistan Friendship Year, which was declared by Wen and Gilani during Wen's visit to Pakistan in December 2010.

Gilani is making a four-day visit to China, which is also a part of a series of celebration activities.

The bilateral ties between the two countries have withstood various tests since China and Pakistan forged diplomatic relations 60 years ago, and have yielded great dividends for the two peoples as well as made great contributions to peace and stability in Asia, Wen said during the talks with his Pakistani counterpart.

"Facing the changing international and regional situation, China is willing to work with Pakistan, give full play to the mechanism of annual meetings between state leaders and that of diplomatic consultations between the two countries to step up communication and cooperation, and safeguard our common interests as 'all-weather' strategic partners," said the Chinese Premier.

Wen said that Pakistan has made great sacrifices for and contributions to the global war against terrorism, urging the international community to understand and support Pakistan' s efforts to maintain domestic stability and advance the economic and social development.

"Pakistan' s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected," he added.

Wen said that China is trying its best to help Pakistan in the post-disaster reconstruction. Last year, the South Asian country experienced its worst-ever floods in 80 years.

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