Pakistan and China to broaden strategic partnership

China on Friday termed Pakistan an important state of the region and called for respecting its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. A joint statement issued simultaneously from Islamabad and Beijing at the end of Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani's four-day visit, stated, "China believes that Pakistan's efforts for promoting peace and stability in South Asia need to be recognised and supported".
The two countries noted that terrorism, separatism and extremism were posing serious threats to regional peace, stability and security and called for substantive co-operation. Both the sides agreed to jointly fight these under bilateral and multilateral frameworks.
"The Chinese side recognised the tremendous efforts and the great sacrifice that Pakistan have made in fighting terrorism and reiterated its respect and support for the efforts of Pakistan to advance its counter-terrorism strategy and safeguard its security," the joint statement mentioned. Pakistan reiterated that it would never allow its territory to be used to attack any country and would continue to support international counter-terrorism co-operation.
The statement is based on the formal meetings of Prime Minister Gilani with the Chinese leadership, including President Hu Jintao, Premier Wen Jiabao, Chairman Jia Qinlin of the National Committee of the CPPCC and State Councillor Liu Yandong. During the meetings the two leaders reached broad agreement on continuing to work to promote China-Pakistan strategic partnership of co-operation. Both the countries agreed to strengthen communication and co-ordination in regional affairs, particularly on the hot-spot issues such as the issue of Afghanistan and on regional co-operation.
The two sides noted that against the background of a complex and ever-changing international and regional situation, it was of significance to consolidate and deepen China-Pakistan all weather strategic partnership of co-operation. It pointed that it would be in line with the principles and spirit of the treaty of friendship, co-operation and good-neighbourly relations between Pakistan and China signed in 2005. Pakistan also reiterated its firm commitment to the One-China Policy and extended support for the cause of China's unification.
Both Pakistan and China agreed to further intensify co-operation in infrastructure development, energy and agriculture on priority basis in line with the decisions taken during the visit of Premier Wen Jiabao to Pakistan. The two leaders also noted the recent progress in mutually beneficial co-operation in the financial and banking sectors. Both the countries are in negotiations of a currency swap agreement and the ICBC will open its branches in Pakistan.
Pakistan and China also reiterated to continue to enhance mutual trust and co-operation in the military and security fields for peace, security and stability of the two countries and the region. They also agreed to give further impetus to the exchanges and co-operation in the field of maritime security. The two sides noted the excellent framework for bilateral trade and economic co-operation in the form of 5-year development programme on Trade and Economic Co-operation and the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement. The establishment of the China-Pakistan Entrepreneurs Forum will further strengthen exchanges between their business communities, the statement added.
The two sides also signed three agreements and memorandums of understanding on co-operation in the fields of economic assistance, finance and mining. Prime Minister Gilani and the Chinese leadership reviewed with satisfaction the growth of Pakistan-China relations from strength to strength in the past 60 years, since the establishment of their ties and agreed that the all-weather and time-tested friendship and dimensional co-operation have become the defining features of these relations.
"The leaders are firmly committed to expanding and deepening the strategic partnership, economic collaboration and people-to-people contacts." The leaders agreed that China-Pakistan Friendship Year is an occasion to celebrate the friendship between the two countries and an opportunity to advance practical co-operation and make strategic partnership "more extensive and productive."
Both the countries also reviewed with satisfaction the momentum of activities being held in political, economic collaboration and people-to-people contacts. China reiterated that it always places high on its diplomatic agenda consolidating and developing relations with Pakistan and is firm on the policy of pursuing friendly ties with Pakistan.
It also appreciated the long-standing, firm support of Pakistan on issues that concern China's core interests. Pakistan appreciated the strong support and selfless assistance of the Chinese government and people for its economic and social development. It also thanked China for its assistance for the relief efforts during the severe floods and post-disaster reconstruction. Prime Minister Gilani also invited Chinese leaders to pay official visits to Pakistan at a mutually convenient time.