BEIJING: As the media around the world focused on Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilini state visit to China started from Tuesday, "All-weather friendship to help Islamabad get through difficulties" was the headline of the prominent English language China Daily on Thursday. The paper said that Premier Wen Jiabao on Wednesday assured his visiting Pakistani counterpart of China's strong support for its "all-weather partner", which has faced international pressure in the aftermath of the US killing of Osama bin Laden.
"Pakistan has made huge sacrifices and an important contribution to the international fight against terrorism," Wen said when meeting Yousuf Raza Gilani at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, adding that he hopes the international community will understand Islamabad's efforts.
"Pakistan's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected," Wen reiterated.
China was making an all-out effort to support Pakistan and help it "get through its difficulties", Wen said, adding Beijing was encouraging Chinese companies to invest in Pakistan.
Wen reiterated that China and Pakistan will always maintain close ties.
"I wish to stress here that no matter what changes might take place in the international landscape, China and Pakistan will remain forever good neighbors, good friends, good partners and good brothers," Wen told Gilani.
In response, Gilani told Wen that Pakistan appreciates China's long -term support and assistance.
He noted that China was the first country, after the US raid on Osama Bin Laden compound, to show its support to Pakistan and its people.
On May 2, China's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu praised Pakistan for its anti-terror efforts.
The country has been "at the forefront" of the international fight against terrorism, and its government has been dedicated to the cause, she told a regular news briefing, adding that Islamabad's anti-terror measures have been "forceful".
Even before arriving in China, Gilani praised the close ties between the two countries.
"We appreciate that in all difficult circumstances China has stood with Pakistan - therefore we call China a true friend and a time-tested and all-weather friend," he told the media before leaving for China.
A large number of Chinese and international media was present at the Great Hall of the people for the coverage of Prime Minister Gilani and Premier Wen bilateral meeting. The media was allowed briefly for video coverage during the delegation level meeting led by Prime ministers of both the countries. Sun Shihai, an expert on South Asian studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said Wen's remarks will enhance Pakistan's confidence in counter-terrorism operations. Sun also noted that days before Gilani's China visit, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari made his first official visit to Russia and won Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's promise to further cooperate with Pakistan in fighting terror.
All Chinese print and electronic media gave wide publicity of Prime Minister Gilani's visit to Shanghai and meeting with Premier Wen in Beijing.
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