http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default...-2-2006_pg7_35

Monday, February 13, 2006

Pakistan, China have identical positions on Iran, Middle East

BEIJING: Pakistan and China have agreed to further strengthen their consultation mechanism, taking identical positions on major regional and international issues, including nuclear non-proliferation, countering terrorism, the Middle East and UN reforms.

President Pervez Musharraf’s forthcoming visit to Beijing will provide yet another opportunity to review, at the highest level, their stated position on major issues, diplomatic sources said on Sunday.

Terming the visit highly important, sources said the two countries would continue working together to promote peace and stability at the regional and international level. China supports Pakistan’s peace initiatives and the normalization of its relations with India, they said.

Sources said that both countries supported a viable solution to the Kashmir issue, along with other bilateral and regional disputes. “We are against a military solution or the use of force in resolving conflicts between the two countries”, sources said, adding,” Both China and Pakistan urge the concerned parties to settle issues relating to Iran’s nuclear development and the Middle East through diplomatic means”.

Both sides shared a common outlook on terrorism, extremism and separatism. China, they said, appreciates Pakistan’s support of the One-China policy and its unconditional support for China’s stand on the Taiwan issue.

Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Kong Quan announced that President Pervez Musharraf and his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao would meet on February 20 to hold formal talks on a wide-range of issues of mutual interest.

The two leaders will focus on increasing economic collaboration. The talks will follow the signing of important agreements. President Pervez Musharraf, who is going on a fiveday state visit to China from February 19, will also meet the Chinese premier Wen Jiabao and other top officials.

The visit will be highly significant, reinforcing the strategic cooperative partnership in various fields of common interest.

It will also help Pakistan and China promote understanding and cooperation in regional and international affairs, sources said.

The visit will also kick-off a series of events marking the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries. app