imageISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Justice retired Mir Hazar Khan Khoso has said that Pakistan and China both shared common principles and perspectives on peace and stability within the region and beyond.

He said that China had been playing a constructive role in resolving complex regional and global issues and its policy of non- interference in internal affairs of states as well as its emphasis on multilateralism rather than unilateralism and its focus on common development had contributed to the stability of the global order.

The Prime Minister was addressing at a banquet held here in the honour of visiting Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang who has arrived Pakistan on a two-day state visit.

Welcoming the visiting dignitary, Prime Minister Khoso told him that Pakistan was like his second home where he and the people of Pakistan welcomed him with open hearts.

"Indeed Pakistan takes great pride in its all-weather and time-tested friendship with China, a country which is deeply admired all across Pakistan's people irrespective of personal or political inclinations," he added.

PM Khoso further declared that the strategic partnership between the two countries was the cornerstone of Pakistan's foreign policy.

He said since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1951, Pak-China relationship has transformed into an enduring bond based on shared values and common interests which serve the cause of peace, progress and prosperity in the 21st century.

This partnership would gain strength as the time passes since its narrative was placed in the hearts and minds of the two nations, he added.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan is passing through a profound political and social transition i.e. the transfer of power from caretaker government to newly elected representatives.

"Through this transition we are determined to make Pakistan a strong, stable and a prosperous country," he maintained.

The Prime Minister said that he was gland that both Pakistan and China had been negotiating economic and trade policies which in the long run would be greatly beneficial to the people of both countries.

"Our trade, finance, banking, and economic relations have grown substantially over the years. No doubt greater connectivity through the establishment of trade, communication and energy corridor as well as increased people to people interaction will give further impetus to our existing ties," he expressed his optimism.

Prime Minister Khoso said that China's contribution to human history and world civilization remained unrivalled and the world admired its rise from an agricultural country into the second largest global, industrial and economic power in a short span of three decades.

China's development has brought dividends to its own people and with that to the entire mankind, he added.

Reiterating the significance of Pakistan's potentials, the Prime Minister said that it was blessed with vast natural resources.

Pakistan's population, he said, was energetic, devoted, diligent, innovative and hard working. , he said, adding that they were a market of over 180 million souls and part of the regional consumer market of over two billion people.

He said that Pakistan's proximity to the world's dynamic economies gave it a unique position to spread the dividends of growth across central, west, South Asia, besides the Middle East countries.

The Prime Minister reiterated that in the context of China's westward and downwards expansion, Pakistan's geo-strategic location could be a great asset to change the development paradigm of the region.

He said Pakistan believed that the post-cold war international system had undergone a major shift and the globalization had unleashed a new dynamism in inter-state relations.

"The world is passing through an uncertain era. China's crucial role in providing stability to new global political and economic order is recognized and widely accepted and it will lead to state of certainty," Prime Minister Khoso maintained.

Thanking Premier LI, he hoped that Pakistan-China relations would be further solidified under his (Premier Li's) dynamic and inspiring leadership.

Reciprocating the warm remarks, Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang said that with the passage of time, the time tested Sino-Pak friendship stood through thick and thin.

He said that they owed such strong relationship due to efforts of their leadership and the aspirations of the people of both countries that was why the Pak-China ties were endurable.

Giving reason for his visit to Pakistan, he said that his visit was of significance in the relation of two countries at a time when the new government was being formed.

He recalled his past experience during his first visit as a young man to Pakistan 27 years ago when the seed of friendship was sown in his heart.

Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang said after 27 years, he has seen a tremendous changes in Pakistan, adding that people of China rejoice over the excellent progress.

He said China would continue cooperation with Pakistan for stability and economic development and thanked President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Khoso and people of Pakistan for the admirable welcome to him and his delegation.

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