'Pak-China ties will continue to grow'


LAHORE (November 25 2004): Vice Minister Information, China, Wang Guoqing on Wednesday said that Pak & China time tested bilateral relation s will continue to grow in future. Speaking briefly at a luncheon, hosted in the honour of visiting seven-member Chinese delegation by Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) here, he said that media can play a vital role in further promoting understanding between the people of the two countries.

He said his visit to Pakistan was most successful and hoped that exchange of delegations between Pakistan and China will further strengthen the relations.

He said Chinese delegates received tremendous warmth and response here from their counterparts as well as from the media. He said he exchanged views and discussed the matters about the different aspects of information.

Wang stated that during his visit to Pakistan, he felt at home and was taking sweet memories and best wishes to China. Earlier, Regional General Manager, Pemra, Sardar Irfan Ashraf Khan in his welcome address informed the Chinese delegation about the role and functions of Pemra for the provision and promotion of healthy recreation.

He further informed the delegation that Pemra issued licenses to about 430 cable operators, 33 licenses for FM Radio of which FM radio stations are functioning while remaining are in the process of test transmission. Sardar Irfan said that complaints from viewers and listeners against electronic media except PTV are being redressed in a transparent manner by a council headed by Naib Nazim, Lahore.

Chinese delegation also included Zhang Chunxiang,Guo Weimin, L N Yang, Chen Lekang, Jiang Baoming, Ji Xingxing and Chen Donghui.


--------------------

Pakistan China undertake saline water research

KARACHI (November 28 2004): Cooperation between China and Pakistan in the research on the project for making the saline water useful for cultivation of various crops will effectively benefit both the friendly countries.

This was expressed by Karachi University's Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui, on the occasion of a three-day visit of a Chinese delegation consisting renowned scientists from Chinese Academy of Sciences to the KU Department of Botany, a release said on Saturday.

The VC welcomed the guest delegation and appreciated their spirit for promotion of development efforts in the field deserving real attention of the concerned scientists.

He pointed out to the delegation that a considerably large coastal area in Pakistan could benefit from such a healthy project creating employment opportunities and bringing in progress and prosperity in the rural areas linked to those lands.

As there were bright chances of experiencing positive results of the experiments on such coastal strips, the ultimate outcome of such schemes were likely to prove beneficial for the national economy of Pakistan, he said.

The Chinese delegation comprises of Professor Dr Qijun Ma, Dr Ziumei Zhanmg and Dr Weiqiang Li, which will finalise sixteen scientific and technical in protocols to enhance the research activities between scientists of both the countries.

:PakistanFlag: :ChinaFlag:


--------------------

China to provide solar energy technology

BEIJING (November 28 2004): China has agreed to provide technical assistance to Pakistan for developing cheap electricity through solar energy. "We can particularly help in manufacturing solar collector tubes which can be used providing inexpensive electricity," said an official of Jiangsu Solar Energy Resources Institute.

A delegation of technical experts has already visited Pakistan for undertaking joint ventures to develop such tubes as well as other methods of producing thermal solar energy. "We are also prepared for transfer of technology to Pakistan for the development of renewable energy," he said in an interview with APP.

The two countries have bright prospects to co-operate under the Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed by the two countries last year which aim at producing electricity through renewable energy resources. In China, plate solar energy collectors and full-glass vacuum tube solar-energy water heaters have already formed into a production industry.

For the last several years, China has successfully developed a heat-pipe type of vacuum tube water-heaters which can live up to international advanced standard and can be applied in good prospects, he added.

According to sources, some other Chinese companies have also offered to help Pakistan in developing the inexpensive energy to meet its fuel requirements, especially for cooking purposes. Some experimental biogas projects have already been set up in the rural areas of Islamabad and Abbottabad.

--------------------

Chinese workers security tightened as tribesmen protest

MULTAN (January 07 2005): Government stepped up security on Thursday for Chinese engineers working at a gas project after angry tribesmen demanding jobs and healthcare besieged the area, an official said. Some 40 personnel from the border military police and a local force were guarding six Chinese engineers and Pakistani staff at the site, local administrator Syed Imtiaz Shah told AFP.

The tribesmen had erected roadblocks to stop food and other supplies reaching the exploration project near the rural town of Taunsa Sharif, some 90 kilometres (55 miles) south-west of Multan city, he said.

The latest incident happened after members of the Qaisrani tribe pressed the government give them jobs and health facilities, Shah said.

"We have accepted the demands of Qaisrani tribe ... but some miscreants were instigating them."

A tribal elder said the government had found huge natural gas and oil reserves worth millions of dollars from his area, but the locals were living in abject poverty without basic facilities.



--------------------

Rao Sikandar to meet Chinese Prime Minister today

BEIJING (January 13 2005): Senior Minister and Minister of Defence Rao Sikandar Iqbal is scheduled to meet Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao here on Thursday. He will also hold formal talks with his Chinese counterpart General Cao Gungehuan. The Pakistan Defence Minister Rao Sikandar Iqbal is currently on a five-day visit to China as head of a six-member delegation.

Meanwhile, a spokesman of the Chinese Foreign Office Kong Quan has welcomed the visit by Pakistan Defence Minister and hoped it would contribute to further strengthen their all-weather friendship.

Talking to APP, he said China and Pakistan had maintained a tradition of exchange visits at all levels. The two sides often held in-depth exchange of views on bilateral relations and important international and regional issues.

"These exchange of visits and contacts are important to deepening mutual understanding, developing friendship as well as solidifying cooperation between our two countries," the spokesman added.


--------------------

China appreciates military ties with Pakistan

BEIJING (January 14 2005): Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Thursday said his country attaches great importance to its military cooperation with Pakistan and hoped it would keep growing to meet their defence requirements. "Our military's cooperation is an important part of our State-to-State relations that helped to promote peace, stability and development in the region", he said during his meeting with the senior federal minister and Minister for Defence Rao Sikandar Iqbal here at the official residence of the Chinese premier.

Wen Jiabao said Pakistan and China were not only two neighbours, but also sincere and reliable friends. His government, he added wished to maintain the momentum of their on-going cooperation in the fields of bilateral interest.

He expressed his confidence that frequent visits between the two countries at various levels would help giving boost to their multilateral and all-around partnership.

Official sources told APP, the Defence Minister, who is on a five-day official visit to China at head of six-member delegation, held very fruitful meeting with the Chinese Premier.

Sikandar Iqbal conveyed to the Chinese Premier the messages of good wishes on behalf of President Pervez Musharraf and Primer Minister Shaukat Aziz and assured that Pakistani leadership highly valued its decades old traditional friendship with China and wished to bring it to a higher level to serve the interests of their people.

Earlier, Rao Sikandar Iqbal held formal talks with his Chinese counterpart General Cao Gangchuan here at the headquarters of People's Liberation Army (PLA).

During talks, the two sides noted that bilateral exchanges and cooperation increased between the two countries' armed forces along with the development of their cooperation in other fields of bilateral interest in the recent years. General Cao Gangchuan said the relations between China and Pakistan had developed smoothly ever since the two countries forged their diplomatic ties. He said the Chinese people and their armed forces had always regarded Pakistan as their sincere, reliable and trustworthy friend and brother.

The Chinese side, he added was willing to make joint efforts with Pakistan for enhancing the army-to-army friendly and co-operative relations.

During the meeting, members of Pakistan's delegation and ambassador Riaz Muhammad Khan were also present.

When he arrived to meet his Chinese counterpart, Rao Sikandar Iqbal was presented guard of honour by a smartly turned out in-service PLA marching contingent.

:ChinaFlag: :PakistanFlag: :PakistanFlag: :ChinaFlag:



--------------------

Pakistan, China to continue war games

BEIJING (APP) – Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Thursday affirmed that China and Pakistan enjoys all-weather friendship which would not be affected by any regional or international changes.

His country attaches great importance to its military cooperation with Pakistan and hoped it would keep growing to meet their defense’s requirements. “Our military’s cooperation is an important part of our State-to-State relations,” he said during his meeting with senior federal minister and minister for Defence Rao Sikandar Iqbal, held here at the official residence of Chinese Premier.

Wen Jiabao said that Pakistan and China are not only two neighbours, but also sincere and reliable friends.
Official sources told APP that the Defence Minister who was on five-day official visit to China at head of six-member delegation held very fruitful meeting with the Chinese Premier.

Welcoming the Pakistani delegation, Premier Wen recalled the useful and friendly exchange he had with Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz last month and expressed satisfaction over the continued expansion and deepening of friendly cooperation and multi dimensional partnership between the two countries in all fields.

The Defence Minister conveyed him greetings of the President Pervez Musharraf and Primer Minister Shaukat Aziz. He underscored the importance that Pakistan attaches to friendship and cooperation with China and to the positive role played by China in the region and on the world stage for peace and development. Rao Sikandar Iqbal assured that Pakistani leadership highly valued its decades’ old traditional friendship with China and wished to bring it to a higher level to serve the interests of their people.

Earlier, during formal talks with his Chinese counterpart General Cao Gangchuan, the two sides carried out a detailed review of progress in various aspects of defence cooperation.

They expressed satisfaction over the exchange programme and decided on their further expansion. They agreed on maintaining regular high-level exchanges of the two armed forces.

They emphasised the usefulness of joint military exercises and agreed on their continuation in the future. The two sides are also closely cooperating with each other in counter terrorism.

The two sides also reviewed progress on the various joint defence production projects, especially the JF-17 (Super-7) aircraft that is being jointly developed by Pakistan and China.

The two defence ministers also exchanged views on the international situation, emphasising that both Pakistan and China were making every effort to promote peaceful and stable international environment.

General Cao Gangchuan, who is also vice-chairman of the Chinese Central Military Commission and state councillor said Sino-Pakistani friendship is deeply rooted and won popular support with a broad foundation. The military ties play an important role in the bilateral relations.

China would like to further enhance the relations between the two military forces in the future, he added.

During the meetings, members of Pakistan’s delegation and ambassador Riaz Muhammad Khan were also present.

When Rao Sikandar Iqbal arrived to meet his Chinese counterpart, he was presented guard of honour by a smartly turned out tri-service PLA’s contingent
Before arriving in Beijing yesterday evening, the defence delegation visited Shanghai and Zheng Zhou in Henan province. As a special gesture, the Chinese defence minister had organised a visit to his hometown, Nanjia Cun by Defence Minister Rao Sikandar Iqbal.

The Governor of Henan province hosted a banquet and briefed the visiting Pakistani delegation about industrial and agriculture development in the province and expressed interest in developing economic cooperation with Pakistan.
During his stay in Beijing, the Minister also visited Chinas National Defence University and Chinas Aero Space Centre. He is scheduled to return home on Friday.

--------------------

Sino-Pakistani Military Ties Underscored

Chinese and Pakistani militaries said Thursday that they are willing to deepen the relations between the two forces.

In his talks with visiting Pakistani Minister of Defense Rao Sikandar Iqbal, Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan said Sino-Pakistani friendship is deeply rooted and won popular support with a broad foundation. The military ties play an important role in the bilateral relations. China would like to further enhance the relations between the two military forces in the future.

Iqbal said Pakistan had always attaches great importance in the relationship with China, and its friendship with China is sincere and trustworthy. Pakistan fully supports the one-China policy and will join hands with China in fighting terrorism, separatism and extremism, he added.

(Xinhua News Agency January 14, 2005)


--------------------
Pakistan, China friendship not be affected: Chinese Premier


BEIJING (China): Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao Thursday affirmed that China and Pakistan enjoys all-weather friendship which would not be affected by any regional or international changes.

His country attaches great importance to its military cooperation with Pakistan and hoped it would keep growing to meet their defence's requirements.

"Our military's cooperation is an important part of our ‘State-to-State’ relations," he said during his meeting with senior federal minister and minister for Defence Rao Sikandar Iqbal, held here at the official residence of Chinese premier.

Wen Jiabao said that Pakistan and China are not only two neighbours, but also sincere and reliable friends.

Fruitful Meeting

Official sources said that the Defence Minister who was on five-day official visit to China at head of six-member delegation held very fruitful meeting with the Chinese Premier.

Welcoming the Pakistani delegation, Premier Wen recalled the useful and friendly exchange he had with Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz last month and expressed satisfaction over the continued expansion and deepening of friendly cooperation and multi dimensional partnership between the two countries in all fields.

The Defence Minister conveyed him greetings of the President Pervez Musharraf and Primer Minister Shaukat Aziz. He underscored the importance that Pakistan attaches to friendship and cooperation with China and to the positive role played by China in the region and on the world stage for peace and development.

Rao Sikandar Iaqal assured that Pakistani leadership highly valued its decades' old traditional friendship with China and wished to bring it to a higher level to serve the interests of their people.

Formal Talks

Earlier, during formal talks with his Chinese counterpart General Cao Gangchuan, the two sides carried out a detailed review of progress in various aspects of defence cooperation.

They expressed satisfaction over the exchange programme and decided on their further expansion. They agreed on maintaining regular high-level exchanges of the two armed forces.

They emphasized the usefulness of joint military exercises and agreed on their continuation in the future. The two sides are also closely cooperating with each other in counter terrorism.

JF-17 (Super-7) aircraft

The two sides also reviewed progress on the various joint defence production projects, especially the JF-17 (Super-7) aircraft that is being jointly developed by Pakistan and China.

The two defence ministers also exchanged views on the international situation, emphasizing that both Pakistan and China were making every effort to promote peaceful and stable international environment.

General Cao Gangchuan, who is also vice-chairman of the Chinese Central Military Commission and state councilor said Sino- Pakistani friendship is deeply rooted and won popular support with a broad foundation. The military ties play an important role in the bilateral relations.

China would like to further enhance the relations between the two military forces in the future, he added.

During the meetings, members of Pakistan’s delegation and ambassador Riaz Mohammad Khan were also present.

Reception

When Rao Sikandar Iqbal arrived to meet his Chinese counterpart, he was presented guard of honour by a smartly turned out tri-service PLA's contingent.

Before arriving in Beijing yesterday evening, the defence delegation visited Shanghai and Zheng Zhou in Henan province. As a special gesture, the Chinese defence minister had organized a visit to his hometown, Nanjia Cun by Defence Minister Rao Sikandar Iqbal.

The governor of Henan province hosted a banquet and briefed the visiting Pakistani delegation about industrial and agriculture development in the province and expressed interest in developing economic cooperation with Pakistan.

During his stay in Beijing, the Minister also visited China’s National Defence University and China’s Aero Space Centre. He is scheduled to return home on Friday.


--------------------

China supports developing Shanghai-Karachi ties

SHANGHAI (January 16 2005): China will encourage its major entrepreneurs to enhance business relationship between Shanghai and Karachi as sister cities for mutually beneficial cooperation. This was stated by vice major of Shanghai Tang Deng Jie during his meeting with Zafaruddin Mahmood, who has recently assumed the office of Pakistan's Consul General in the city.

The city leader, who is in-charge foreign relations said that the port cities of Shanghai and Karachi envisaged rich potential to undertake joint ventures for their socio-economic uplift.

While welcoming the opening of Pakistan Consulate Office in the city, Tang hoped it would open new avenues of economic co-operation between the two countries.

He said they considered Pakistan a strong and reliable partner and they were looking forward to develop bilateral partnership in the economic field. He referred to the recent visit to Shanghai by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and said it was very successful and set the directions for achieving their future economic targets.

During the visit, Aziz laid the foundation stone of the Consul General and appointed Zafaruddin Mahmood as head of the mission, who knows the Chinese language very well and acquainted with the business community of China.

Tang further said Shanghai is China's financial and business hub that carried many opportunities for the Pakistani businessmen to get lucrative return of their investment. He assured that he would soon arrange meetings of major Chinese companies with Pakistan Consul General for discussing ways and means to promote economic interaction.

Zafar said the consulate has started working temporarily in a rented apartment, while construction of its own building will also start soon.

--------------------

Chinese delegation arrives

ISLAMABAD, Jan 16 (APP): A seven member Chinese delegation led by Vice Chairman of Chinese Parliament Foreign Relations Committee Zhou Keren arrived here Sunday on four day visit to Pakistan. The delegation was received by Secretary General Pakistan Muslim League and Chairman Senate Foreign Affairs Committee Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed.

During its visit the delegation will meet Acting Senate Chairman, Speaker National Assembly and the Chairman of Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs. Zhou Keren while talking to PTV said, "I am very pleased to be here".
He said China and Pakistan enjoy very close friendship and added that his would enhance and promote this friendship between China and Pakistan to further promote cooperation between the two countries.
Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed welcoming the delegation said, China is a time honored friend of Pakistan.
He said China is very special friend of Pakistan and the people and the government of Pakistan are enjoying very cordial relations. Mushahid said, "we have a very strong and strategic relationship with China and we warmly welcome our Chinese friends." He said, "I look forward to having interesting and
informative discussion with our Chinese

--------------------

Pakistani and Chinese leaders resolve to strengthen ties

* Mushahid hails China’s economic development

Staff Report

ISLAMABAD: The leaders of Pakistan and China on Monday expressed confidence in Pak-China friendship and resolved to strengthen ties between the two neighbouring countries.

These views were expressed in a meeting held between a seven-member Chinese delegation and Pakistani senators. The Chinese delegation was led by Zhou Keren, vice chairman of the foreign relations committee of the Chinese Communist Party Consultative Committee Conference.

Keren gave an account of Pak-China relations and observed that friendship between the two countries had continued to develop during the last five decades. He added that the economic advancement of China owed to the assistance provided by Pakistan.

He said China considered Pakistan a close friend and wanted to strengthen bilateral relations.

Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed, chairman of Senate foreign affairs committee, observed that China had successfully and miraculously transformed the Chinese society by reducing poverty and improving the quality of life of its people.

He said Pakistan considered China its strategic friend. “We have great respect and admiration for the Chinese people and its leadership. China is our trusted neighbour that has always stood by us in crises. China has a special place in the hearts of the people of Pakistan.”

During the meeting senators Professor Khurshid Ahmed and Maulana Samiul Haq elaborated on the different dimensions of Pak-China friendship. They hoped the friendship between the two neighbouring countries would continue to flourish despite the differences between the social systems of the two countries.

Meanwhile, Khalilur Rehman, acting Senate chairman, said Pakistan and China enjoyed good relations, adding the friendship had withstood the test of time for nearly half a century, APP reported.

He said frequent official exchanges were proof of the relationship between both countries.

During the meeting, various matters were discussed, particularly the promotion of parliamentary cooperation between the countries.

He referred to the successful visits of Jia Qinglin, CPPCC chairman to Pakistan and Mohammadmian Soomro, Senate chairman visit to China, last year.

Rehman lauded China’s economic achievements.

China had provided economic assistance to Pakistan, particularly in building the Gwadar deep seaport, Thar Coal, Saindak Copper and Gold Mine project and Chashma-II projects, he said.

He said Pakistan had supported China on a number of important issues, including Taiwan, Tibetan human rights and anti-terrorism.

He said both countries had been cooperating internationally. “China would like to develop this friendship,” he said.

The Chinese delegation leader invited Soomro to visit China along with a delegation of senators.

Zhang Chunxiang, Chinese ambassador to Pakistan and Shafiq A Khan, Senate secretary were also present. The meeting agreed to increase interaction between the leadership of Pakistan and China.

--------------------

Pak-China ties exemplary: Mushahid

ISLAMABAD (January 18 2005): Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed on Monday said Pakistan and China are time-tested friends and their bilateral, close and friendly relations are exemplary. He was talking to a seven-member Chinese delegation at a luncheon reception hosted by him in their honour here at Senate secretariat. The delegation, led by Vice Chairman Foreign Relations Committee of Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), is visiting Pakistan on the invitation of Senate Chairman Muhammadmian Soomro.

Senator Mushahid said Pakistan and China enjoy deep friendly relations and this friendship withstood the test of time for nearly half a century. He said the friendship and cooperation between the two countries had remained very strong over the decades and would cement further during the years ahead.

Mushahid, appreciating the economic development of China, said due to effective economic policies, China had successfully over-powered the poverty and improved the living standard of Chinese people.

Referring to the independent and principled foreign policy of China, Mushahid said it had provided encouragement to Pakistan and other members of the region as it was based on non-interference and mutual respect in accordance with the Untied Nations charter.

Senator Mushahid said due to strategic position and its policies, relations between China and Pakistan were based on very strong foundations.

Welcoming the delegation, Senator Mushahid said frequent exchange of high-level visits was hallmark of existing bilateral relations between the two countries.

He said the exchange of delegations, particularly, at the level of parliamentarians would further promote bilateral relations with particular reference to promoting Parliamentary Cooperation between the two countries.

Senator Mushahid also referred to the successful visits of Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Chairman Jia Qinglin to Pakistan and Senate Chairman Muhammadmian Soomro's visits to China, last year.

He also appreciated the cooperation and assistance of China in the economic development of Pakistan and, particularly, referred to China's assistance in building the Gwadar deep seaport, Thar Coal, Saindak Copper and Gold Mine project and Chashma-II projects.

The leader of the Chinese delegation Zhou Keren thanked the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman and other members of the Committee to provide a chance to meet them and exchange views on various issues.

He also thanked for extending warm hospitality to his delegation.

Zhou said China considered Pakistan as a close and all-weather friend and both the nations enjoy traditional friendship.

He said Pakistan had played vital role in the progress and prosperity of China and added the Chinese government would continue its cooperation and assistance to Pakistan. The leader of the delegation said Pakistan had supported China on a number of issues of its national interest and extended cooperation at all world forums.

He said both countries had been co-operating with each other at international level and have commonality of views on various international issues and added, "China would like to further develop all-round friendship with Pakistan."

Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Zhang Chunxiang and Senate of Pakistan Secretary Shafiq A Khan were also present during the meeting.

Members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee including Maulana Sami-ul-Haq, Latif Khosa, Mehtab Abbasi, Nisar Memon, Gulshan Saeed, S M Zafar and Professor Khurshid Ahmed were also present in the meeting.


--------------------

Pak, China agree on cooperation in different areas

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China have both agreed on Monday to continue cooperation in economic, trade and defense sectors.

It was disclosed in a declaration issued from National Assembly Secretariat.

According to details, a delegation, headed by Vice Chairman of Chinese political and consultative committee for foreign affairs, Zuo Kern meet with the deputy speaker National Assembly, Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan here in Parliament House.

During the meeting both countries agreed on cooperation for the promotion of education, trade, economy , technology, defense, culture and defense sectors. Deputy Speaker, Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob told the delegation that China and Pakistan both have good relation and it would take momentum with passage of time.

Her further said that China is continuing its cooperation for the completion of mega projects in Pakistan and added that the exchange of parliamentary delegations between both countries will not only increase people-to-people contact but also strengthen their bilateral cooperation.

During the meeting, the efforts and policies of Chinese leadership were lauded for establishing peace and development of South Asia.

Head of the Chinese delegation Zuo Keran thanked Pakistani government for its hospitality and said that visits of parliamentary delegations of both countries prove helpful in promoting education, defense, culture, trade and IT sectors.



--------------------

Musharraf eulogizes China's contribution to Pakistan's economic development

BEIJING, Feb 7 (APP): President Pervez Musharraf said Pakistan and China's cooperation in regional and international affairs will keep growing for their mutual benefit and to meet the common aspirations of their people.

"Despite changes at the regional and global levels, the deep-rooted ties between the two countries have been gaining strength with the passage of time," the President said in his message to a leading Chinese magazine 'China's talents' that was published at the advent of the Chinese new year.

The magazine gave a prominent coverage to Sino-Pak relations, with special message from the President, which says " Pak-China relations span several millennia, dating back to the Indus valley civilization and beyond. This relationship is based on mutual trust and includes cooperation in the political, economic, defence, cultural and several other fields."

He noted that China has made invaluable contribution to their country's economy, particularly in the development of infrastructure and industrialization.

Some of the major projects established in Pakistan with the assistance of the Chinese government include the legendary Karkarum highway, Pakistan aeronautical complex, Saindek copper and gold project, Heavy mechanical complex, Heavy rebuild factory, Guddu thermal power station, Jamshoro power station, Chashma nuclear power plant, Ghazi Brotha power project, Indus highway and more recently the Gwadar deep-sea port and Thar coal power-generation projects.

The President expressed his confidence that in the years to come, their existing bonds of friendship will grow, with special focus on their economic cooperation.

Pervez Musharraf said there is tremendous scope for further cooperation in all areas of mutual interest. The leadership of the two countries is determined of making concerted efforts to realize the existing potential, bringing their friendship to a higher level in the new century, he added.

The media has an important role in order to provide the new dynamics to their relations, he said and hoped a magazine of caliber of 'China's talents' will play a major role in this regard," he added.

Meanwhile, the Editor-in-Chief of the Magazine Wang Xiaopeng told APP that the Magazine that enjoys confidence and support of the Chinese government will soon arrange a delegation of businessmen to Pakistan, exploring the possibilities of their future cooperation in the Socio-economic sector.

He said the Chinese leadership and the people attach high importance to their friendship with Pakistan and are willing to push forward these relations to a higher level, with greater strength and vigour. The Magazine, he added wishes to play its role, enhancing people-to-people contacts between the two countries.


--------------------
China donates 120,000 USD to Pakistan for relief work

ISLAMABAD: The Chinese government and the Red Cross Society of China have donated 120,000 US dollars to Pakistan to help in its hectic relief efforts.

These are the first two donations coming from abroad since Pakistan has been devastated by floods and avalanches in the country.

On behalf of the Chinese government, Chinese ambassador Zhang Chunxiang transferred a check of 100,000 dollars to Pakistani Cabinet Secretary Ejaz Rahim in Islamabad on Tuesday morning.

At a brief handing over ceremony, Zhang said learning the sad news that heavy rains and snowfall in certain regions of Pakistan have caused heavy human and property losses, he would like to extend his deep sympathy and condolences to the affected people and the bereaved families.

He expressed belief that the people in the affected areas, under the leadership of the Pakistani government, will soon overcome the difficulties and rebuild their homes. Rahim said the Pakistani government highly appreciates the goodwill of China, saying the donation is the first coming from abroad since Pakistan has been hit by continuous torrential rains and heavy snowfall in the past two weeks.

"China is always the first country to offer its help when Pakistan is in the hour of need and it is a country close to our hearts," he said.

Earlier Tuesday, on behalf of the Red Cross Society of China, the Chinese ambassador transferred a check of 20,000 dollars to Pakistan Red Crescent Society. Jahan Dad Khan, chairman of Pakistan Red Crescent Society, said the donation again showed the traditional and tested friendship between the peoples of Pakistan and China.

Local reports say flash floods in southwestern Balochistan province and avalanches in other provinces and regions of Pakistan have to date claimed over 400 lives and left about 2,000 people still missing and tens of thousands of people homeless.



--------------------
China Provides Aid to Pakistan

On Tuesday morning in Islamabad, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Zhang Chunxiang transferred a check for US$120,000 to Pakistani Cabinet Secretary Ejaz Rahim to assist the country's relief efforts in areas affected by heavy rain and snow.

The Chinese government donated US$100,000 and the Red Cross Society of China contributed another US$20,000.

Some 260 people have died in northwest Pakistan in a series of avalanches and landslides during the past week and a half, while in the impoverished southwestern province of Balochistan flooding from torrential rains and bursting dams has killed at least 250 people and left as many as 2,000 missing.

Tens of thousands of people have been left homeless around the country.

Earlier this week, Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing sent a telegram to Pakistani Foreign Minister Khurshid Kasuri to offer deep sympathy and condolences to victims in the stricken areas.

(Xinhua News Agency, China.org.cn February 16, 2005)
----------------------------

Pakistan attaches great importance to advice of Chinese friends:Kasuri

BEIJING, Feb 21 (APP): Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmood Kasuri has lauded China's positive role in South Asia and said it helped Pakistan to peacefully resolve its disputes with India.
" We found China very cooperative in dealing with the issues, confronted by the South Asian countries. China's approach has been very positive towards promotion of peace and development
in the region," he said in an interview with APP during a brief stopover in Beijing Monday morning on way to Tokyo on an official visit.
The Foreign Minister said being a strong friend and close ally, China has always been supporting Pakistan in the regional affairs. Pakistan, he added attaches great importance to the advice of the Chinese friends in regard to its relations with India and making the on-going peace process successful.
He said Chinese have been very clear and they have always been supportive of on-going dialogue between Pakistan and India.
He pointed out that the Chinese have themselves had tension in the past in their relations with India. Now, they were negotiating for the peaceful settlement of their border dispute with India.
In reply to a question, Khurshid Kasuri said that Pakistan was moving ahead to resolve its basic dispute of Kashmir with India through a composite dialogue. He referred to the recent agreement regarding the start of bus service between
Muzafarabad and Srinagar and said it was a breakthrough for providing an opportunity to Kashmiri people to involve themselves in the peace process.
Kashmir, he said is most important issue for Pakistan and we believe the role of Kashmiri people is very important for its final settlement. History has proved that Kashmir has been the core issue, and it caused immense frictions between the two countries leading to wars.
" We are confident that the goodwill generated by the recent agreement would lead to greater interaction between the Kashmiris living on both sides of LoC," he said.
This, he added might induce the government of India to involve the Kashmiris in on-going dialogue sooner, rather than later, because in their ultimate analysis it is about their (Kashmiris) future, they are talking about.
While eulogizing the facilitative role of China in the peace process, the Foreign Minister recalled his meeting with his Indian counterpart Natwar Singh during Asia Dialogue Cooperation (ACD) conference in Qingdao, China June last year.
He said he was looking forward to have another round of talks with the Indian Foreign Minister during the next ACD meeting, to be held in Islamabad in early April 2005.
To another question, Kasuri said Pakistan and China have excellent cooperation in combating terrorism. Both countries are engaged in raising the living standard of their people. They will not allow any attempt that creates instability and hampers the process of economic development.
About the forthcoming visit of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao to Pakistan, the Foreign Minister said, " We are looking forward to the inauguration of Ministerial meeting of Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) in Islamabad by the Chinese Premier. China and Pakistan are closest friends and allies and it would be very
appropriate that an important regional forum's meeting is inaugurated by a top Chinese leader.
A lot of bilateral work will be done during the visit of the Chinese Premier, he said adding, that the visit would be good opportunity to discuss
bilateral and international issues.
" China and Pakistan have complete unanimity of views on regional and international issues and they are engaged in developing very close comprehensive strategic, defense and economic partnership, " he added.
The two countries, during the visit would also review the progress on a large number of projects that have been undertaken jointly in Pakistan with the Chinese assistance.
Kasuri said it is the strong desire of the two governments that the existing diplomatic relations should lead to strong economic cooperation.
A number of Chinese-funded projects are going on in Pakistan, and most important is Gwadar, which is now nearing completion.
The Foreign Minister also referred to the recent visit to China by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and said it has laid a strong foundation to further strengthening their economic ties, particularly at the private sector's level.
During the visit, he said many new projects were identified. The two sides, he said realized that they have to make conscious effort to involve private sector in the economic cooperation, giving boost to trade and investment between the two countries.
The two governments are making their best to create an enabling environment for the private sector to enhance the mutually beneficial cooperation, he added.
He said many other proposals are being finalized to gear up the economic activities. It is hoped that Joint Investment Company (JIC) will be set up soon, besides expanding the list of Preferential Trade Agreement that would ultimately lead to Free Trade Agreement.
Earlier, on arrival at the Beijing airport, the minister was received by the senior officials of Chinese Foreign Office and the Pakistan Embassy.



--------------------

China supports Pakistan's position addressing root-cause of terrorism

BEIJING, Mar. 2 (APP): Pakistan and China will hold counter-terrorism consultation at senior officers' level in Beijing next week.

Diplomatic sources told APP that the two sides will review the on-going cooperation in non-traditional security fields including counter-terrorism.

The two countries have established a mechanism of anti-terrorism consultation to maintain a common position on this issue. China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan said that his country will continue its active participation in the international anti- errorism cooperation together with Pakistan to make it more effective.

Noting that China has always been one of the victims of terrorism, Kong said the nation has always strongly opposed terrorism in any form and taken a series of measures to combat it.

China supports Pakistan's position, addressing the root cause of terrorism that is poverty, social disparities and bilateral disputes at various levels.

While pursuing its foreign policy, China lays greater attention on peace and development, promoting mutually beneficial cooperation for a 'win-win' situation.


APP


--------------------

Pakistan, China to exchange farm experts

By Our Reporter

ISLAMABAD, March 2: China and Pakistan will exchange experts in order to benefit from each other's experiences in the field of agriculture.

This decision was taken in a meeting between a high-level Chinese delegation, led by Deputy Director of Ministry of Agriculture Wang Xinwu, and Federal Minister for Food and Agriculture Sikandar Hayat Bosan, here on Wednesday.

During the meeting, the delegation informed the minister that the Chinese prime minister would visit Pakistan in April to give a new dimension to the friendly relations between the two countries.

The two sides also discussed three MoUs on export of citrus and rice to China, export of livestock from China to the Middle East through Pakistan and transit facilities.

The food and agriculture minister informed the delegation that Pakistan had abundant production of cotton and rice this year. Kino is already being exported to Middle East, Far East and other countries in large quantity, he added. "We want to improve exports and imports with China to meet WTO challenges," the minister said.

It was decided in the meeting that one of the three teams of Chinese agriculture experts would visit Sargodha to see processing and packing units of Kino. The second one will leave for Lahore and Karachi to visit rice processing units, and the third team will discuss livestock- related trade issues with the ministry of food, agriculture and livestock.

Additional Secretary Mumtaz Ahmed and other high officials of the ministry were also present during the meeting. Meanwhile, speaking at the 'National seminar on streamlining production and export of cut flowers and house plants' at NARC, Mr Bosan said the government was fully alive to the importance of horticulture.

The government has taken adequate measures to boost production of quality horticultural produce to meet country's needs, besides having substantial exportable surplus, he added.

The minister said in addition to enjoying opportunities under the WTO regime, developing countries would face challenges to assure quality of graded and branded commodities at competitive prices, and strictly adhering to phyto sanitary restrictions. He said vast opportunities existed in Pakistan which needed to be availed.


--------------------

Wen's visit to Pakistan under active preparation: Spokesman

BEIJING, March 5 (APP): Premier Wen Jiabao's visit to Pakistan and some other countries of South Asia is under active preparation, said a spokesman of the Chinese Foreign Office Liu Jianchao.
He told reporters here Saturday that the schedule of the visit is being finalized through the diplomatic channels. It would be Wen Jaibao's first visit to the region, after assuming the office.
The last visit to the region by the Chinese side at the Premier-level took place in May, 2001. Former Premier Zhu Rongji had undertaken five-nation tour that included Pakistan.
Diplomatic sources told APP that Premier Wen Jiabao will be arriving in Pakistan in the first week of April. Meanwhile, a senior official of the Chinese foreign ministry will leave here on
Monday to hold preparatory meetings with the Pakistani side for the Premier's visit that will provide an opportunity to the countries' top-leadership to discuss important matters of
bilateral, regional and international interest.

--------------------

Pakistani students will study in China

BEIJING: A delegation of the China Scholarship Council (CSC) will arrive in Pakistan at the end of March to select around 200 to 300 students to study in Chinese universities on scholarship. Selected candidates will study in Chinese universities in Tianjin, Hanzhou, Harbin, Nanjing, Shanghai and Beijing.

The students will be enrolled for MPhil and PhD programmes. The courses will last five years that include one-year study of the Chinese language.

The Pakistani government will pay scholarships and the Chinese universities will provide students with accommodation and tuition fee support. At present, 78 Pakistani students are receiving their higher education in China.

During the visit, the delegation will sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Higher Education Commission to regularise the scholarship scheme. app

--------------------

Pakistan, China to strengthen cooperation promoting regional peace

BEIJING, Mar. 10 (APP): Senior officials from Pakistan, China and other regional countries at a seminar held in the Chinese city Sanya agreed to strengthen security cooperation.

The seminar was arranged under the auspices of the 23-member countries ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF). The officials discussed proposals on enhancing cooperation among the Asia-Pacific countries in security areas, such as anti-terrorism and drug control.

Official sources told APP here that the participants spoke highly of the achievements made by the ARF in encouraging dialogue and cooperation to fight terrorism and respond to other issues, and called for all concerned to further this.

The participants agreed that new threats, including terrorism, transnational crime and infectious diseases, have risen markedly in recent years, bringing uncertainty to regional security even though the overall situation in the Asia-Pacific region was generally stable.

These new issues have emerged against a complicated political, economic and cultural backdrop and should be tackled thoroughly and comprehensively, participants said.

While enhancing their own capacities for dealing with them, all countries should actively support and participate in international and regional initiatives, they said.

Plans for the seminar were first aired at the 11th Foreign Ministers' Meeting of the ARF, which was held in Jakarta, Indonesia last July.

Initiated in 1993, the ARF is the primary forum enhancing political and security cooperation in the Asia Pacific region and pivotal in building regional peace.


www.app.com.pk


--------------------

Pakistan and China will strengthen cooperation against terrorism

BEIJING: Pakistan and China agreed on Friday to strengthen their ongoing cooperation against terrorism.

During the second round of bilateral consultation in Beijing, Pakistanis and Chinese officials of the foreign ministries decided to make concerted efforts to promote peace and security at regional and international levels, said Kong Quan, a spokesman for the China’s Foreign Ministry.

Tariq Osman Hyder, the additional secretary of Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Shen Guofang led their sides during the consultations held between March 8 and 10.

The two sides discussed a wide-range of issues relating to the international fight against terrorism, said a Pakistani official.

They also agreed on closer coordination between the two countries on the issue. They agreed that international cooperation against terrorists’ financing should be strengthened.

Both the countries stressed that need to address long-standing disputes and poor socio-economic conditions, which they identified as the roots of terrorism around the globe. They also discussed the current United Nations reforms and called for the continuation of the reform process through consensus. The two countries decided that decided that they should continue consulting each other on relevant multilateral issues in New York and also in the two capitals.

Mr Hyder told the Chinese officials that the people and government of Pakistan were eagerly awaiting the upcoming visit by Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao to Islamabad, where he would be the keynote speaker at the fourth Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD), a foreign ministers’ conference. app

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default...-3-2005_pg7_45


--------------------

Pakistan, China to check illegal trade

BEIJING: Pakistan and China have agreed to take tough measures to check illegal border trade.

In this connection, a Pakistani delegation led by Muhammad Ramzan Bhatti, member Customs Central Board of Revenue held detailed discussion with his Chinese counterpart in Beijing this week.

The two sides reached an understanding for enforcing necessary measures to check illegal trade, including under-invoicing. They were agreed to upgrade the existing information network to control narcotics trafficking, smuggling and other illegal transaction.

Mr Bhatti told APP here Friday that the two sides have worked out a mechanism to deal with the certain legal issues, relating to the bilateral trade.

This, he said will help to streamline the entire system of custom’s clearance. “ We have decided to make joint efforts to reduce custom offensives”, he added.

The new measures will be enforced soon after their approval by their respective governments. —APP

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default...2-3-2005_pg5_3


--------------------

Pakistan supports Chinese efforts for reunification of Taiwan

ISLAMABAD, March 14 (APP)- Pakistan appreciates and fully supports efforts made by Chinese Government for reunification of Taiwan to the motherland and considers the recently passed Anti-Secession Law as part of these efforts.

The Foreign Office spokesman, in response to a question about Anti- Secession Law passed by The National Peoples Congress of China, said that Pakistan adhered to One China policy.

Pakistan regarded Taiwan as part of China and hoped that it would return to the motherland soon, he said.

It may be recalled that earlier Pakistan had shared the international concern over reports of a referendum being organized by the Taiwanese authorities. This was consistent with Pakistan's principled stand reiterated on numerous occasions, including at the highest level, that Taiwan is a part of One China which is the People's Republic of China.

http://www.app.com.pk/n23.htm



--------------------

Taiwan part of China: Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan reiterated on Monday that it regarded Taiwan as part of China and hoped it would return to the motherland soon. “Pakistan adheres to the One China policy,” said a Foreign Office spokesperson in response to Anti-Secession Law passed by The National People’s Congress of China.

In a press statement, the spokesperson said that Pakistan had shared the international concern over reports of a referendum being organised by the Taiwanese authorities. staff report

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default...-3-2005_pg7_25


--------------------
China admires Pakistan for its support on Taiwan question

BEIJING, Mar. 15 (APP): A spokesman of the Chinese Foreign Ministry Liu Jianchao admired Pakistan for its support on the question of Taiwan and said it reflects a fair approach toward safeguarding China's integrity and peaceful national reunification.
" We highly appreciate Pakistan's commitment to 'One-China' policy and it's backing to anti-secession law, " he
said while speaking at weekly news briefing here Tuesday.
The spokesman said a number of countries in the world fully support China's position on the question of Taiwan. The
anti-secession law, he explained is conductive to peace and development in the region.
The relevant parties, Liu emphasized should take the law in its true spirit. He said "We consider the opposition to this
law as an interference in the internal affairs of China." While answering a question on USA's reservations on the
law, he said " Those opposing China's stand on this issue, does not understand the contents and the spirit of the law. "
Another Chinese official while defending the Anti-secession law said that it is of international convention
for a country to oppose secessionist activities and safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity through
legislation. "Many countries in the world, including the United States, Canada, Russia and Britain, have enacted relevant,
similar laws," he added. "No sovereign state will tolerate any secessionist activities that sabotage national unity," he said adding " It is "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces that pose a grave threat to peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits as well
as the Asia-Pacific region


http://www.app.com.pk/n15.htm


--------------------

China admires Pakistan for its support on Taiwan

Pakistan Times Monitoring Desk

BEIJING (China): A spokesman of the Chinese Foreign Ministry Liu Jianchao admired Pakistan for its support on the question of Taiwan and said it reflects a fair approach toward safeguarding China’s integrity and peaceful national reunification.

“We highly appreciate Pakistan’s commitment to ‘One-China’ policy and it’s backing to anti-secession law,” he said while speaking at weekly news briefing here Tuesday.

The spokesman said a number of countries in the world fully support China’s position on the question of Taiwan.

The relevant parties, Liu emphasized should take the law in its true spirit. He said “We consider the opposition to this law as an interference in the internal affairs of China.”

While answering a question on USA’s reservations on the law, he said “ Those opposing China’s stand on this issue, does not understand the contents and the spirit of the law.”

Anti-secession Law

Another Chinese official while defending the Anti-secession law said that it is of international convention for a country to oppose secessionist activities and safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity through legislation.

“Many countries in the world, including the United States, Canada, Russia and Britain, have enacted relevant, similar laws,” he added.

“No sovereign state will tolerate any secessionist activities that sabotage national unity,” he said adding “ It is “Taiwan independence” secessionist forces that pose a grave threat to peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits as well as the Asia-Pacific region.

To strengthen defence Ties

Pakistan and China have expressed the desire to further enhance and strengthen defence collaboration between the two countries, noted journalist Aroosa Alam reports in 'Pakistan Observer'.

The desire was expressed during a meeting between a six member Chinese defence delegation led by Major General JIA Xinoning and Defence Minister Rao Sikandar Iqbal in Rawalpindi Tuesday.

Both sides discussed the current level of cooperation and expressed satisfaction over existing friendly and cooperative ties between the government and people of Pakistan and China in various fields including defence and defence production.

The Minister told the visiting delegation that Pakistan highly valued Chinese support and cooperation and relations between the two countries were time-tested and enduring.

The Minister said that China and Pakistan shared common perceptions on regional and International Security and strategic issues.

The Minister also recalled his recent visit to China where he had held very fruitful discussion with the Chinese Premier and defence Minister.The Chinese side said that cooperation between Pakistan and China was critical for peace and stability in the region.

Major General JIA Xinoning stated that it was imperative to further strengthen the friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

He thanked the government of Pakistan for extending warm welcome and hospitality to him and members of the delegation.

Besides the minister, the meeting was attended by Rear Admiral Ahsan-ul-Haq Chaudhri, Additional Secretary and other senior officials of the Ministry of Defence.


http://www.pakistantimes.net/2005/03/16/top8.htm


:PakistanFlag: :ChinaFlag: :PakistanFlag: :ChinaFlag: :PakistanFlag: :ChinaFlag:


--------------------

Pakistan, China to enhance defence tie-up

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan and China have expressed the desire to further enhance and strengthen defence collaboration between the two countries.

This was discussed during a meeting between a six-member Chinese defence delegation, led by Maj-Gen Jia Xinoning and Federal Minister for Defence Rao Sikandar Iqbal here on Tuesday.

Both sides discussed the current level of cooperation and expressed satisfaction over existing friendly and cooperative ties between the government and people of Pakistan and China in different fields including defence and defence production.

The minister told the visiting delegation that Pakistan highly valued Chinese support and cooperation and relations between the two countries were time-tested and enduring.

He further stated that China and Pakistan shared common perceptions on regional and international security and strategic issues.

The minister also recalled his recent visit to China where he had held very fruitful discussion with the Chinese premier and defence minister.

The Chinese side that cooperation between Pakistan and China was critical for peace and stability in the region. Maj-Gen Jia Xinoning stated that it was imperative to further strengthen the friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

He thanked the Government of Pakistan for extending warm welcome and hospitality to him and members of the delegation.

Besides the minister, the meeting was attended by Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Ehsan-ul-Haq, Additional Secretary and other senior officials of the ministry of defence.

Meanwhile, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Ehsan-ul-Haq said that Pakistan’s strategic deterrence is fully operational and has contributed in stabilising the South Asian security landscape.

He said that the nation’s nuclear capability, resting in the strategic forces, was based on the concept of minimum deterrence and was a cornerstone of Pakistan’s security policy.

General Ehsan, who is the Deputy Chairman of the National Command Authority Development Control Committee, was given an extensive briefing during a visit to the army strategic Force Command.

He reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to develop its strategic forces in line with its defence needs and expressed satisfaction with the pace of development, training standards and command and control mechanism evolved in a short span of five years.

General Ehsan said that Pakistan followed a very strict policy of non-proliferation and would continue to extend cooperation to the international community without in any way compromising on its own nuclear programme.

He dismissed the recent speculation in this regard as baseless and uninformed.



http://www.hipakistan.com/en/detail....&f_type=source

--------------------

'Major accords to be signed with China'


By Hasan Akhtar

ISLAMABAD, March 28: Pakistan and China will sign a number of important agreements during Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao's state visit to Islamabad from April 5 to 7. The agreements will take their economic and political relations to 'a new height'.

At his weekly press briefing on Monday, Foreign Office spokesman Jalil Abbas Jilani talked about the Chinese premier's visit which, he said, would enhance the 'strategic comprehensive partnership' between the two countries.

Besides other engagements, Mr Jiabao will make a key-note address at the fourth ministerial meeting of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) comprising 26 counties. Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz will open the meeting here on April 5.

He said the outcome of the meeting would be enshrined in two documents 'Islamabad Declaration' and 'Islamabad Initiative'. When asked whether Mr Jiabao would also visit the Gwadar seaport, the spokesman said he might answer the question at his next briefing.

When his comments were sought on reports that the US had offered India F-18 version of fighters as against the F-16s to be sold to Pakistan, the spokesman said: "We are not bothered as to what kind of relationship is being developed between India and the United States. We are satisfied with the kind of lasting relationship that Pakistan and the United States are developing."

He said Pakistan as the current chairman of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation

http://www.dawn.com/2005/03/29/top3.htm

--------------

Pakistan, China to sign 'Major accords'


ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China will sign a number of important agreements during Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao's state visit to Islamabad from April 5 to 7. The agreements will take their economic and political relations to 'a new height'.

At his weekly press briefing on Monday, Foreign Office spokesman Jalil Abbas Jilani talked about the Chinese premier's visit which, he said, would enhance the 'strategic comprehensive partnership' between the two countries.

Besides other engagements, Mr Jiabao will make a key-note address at the fourth ministerial meeting of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) comprising 26 counties. Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz will open the meeting here on April 5.

He said the outcome of the meeting would be enshrined in two documents 'Islamabad Declaration' and 'Islamabad Initiative'. When asked whether Mr Jiabao would also visit the Gwadar seaport, the spokesman said he might answer the question at his next briefing.

When his comments were sought on reports that the US had offered India F-18 version of fighters as against the F-16s to be sold to Pakistan, the spokesman said: "We are not bothered as to what kind of relationship is being developed between India and the United States. We are satisfied with the kind of lasting relationship that Pakistan and the United States are developing."

He said Pakistan as the current chairman of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) had proposed to India and other member states a timeframe for the holding of the Saarc summit in April, but added that so far no decision had been taken. He said most of the member countries had sent positive signals on which consultations were under way.

When a reporter pointed out that if the Saarc countries failed to ratify the draft Safta (South Asia Free Trade Area) agreement within this year it might not take off by the previously agreed timeframe of January 2006, Mr Jilani said Pakistan was making all efforts for early convening of the postponed Saarc summit and added that the experts committee had resolved most of the Safta issues.

The spokesman released a paper on a report titled 'Larger freedom: towards development, security and the human rights for all' issued by the United Nations secretary-general to the General Assembly last week.

He said the paper contained tentative views on the secretary-general's report and added that Pakistan believed 'the essence of the United Nations Charter is to promote cooperative multilateralism'.

Pakistan, he said, welcomed the UNSG's recommendations on the implementation of the Millennium Developments Goals. Pakistan, he added, also welcomed the proposal of peace-building commission and looked forward to further discussions on its mandate, composition and precise functions and supported the creation of strategic reserves for United Nations peacekeeping.

He said Pakistan had agreed with the UNSG's calls for strengthening the role and mandate of the International Court of Justice in adjudicating disputes among countries.

Referring to the expansion of the Security Council, he said Pakistan supported a comprehensive reform of the Security Council and believed that the reform should be undertaken with consensus to avoid division and politicization of the UN. In reply to a question, the spokesman said he was not privy to any proposals for bus service from Pakistan to Iran and China.

He told another questioner that for the present the India-Pakistan composite dialogue would be held in either of the two countries, although as suggested by Mirwaiz Omar Farooq in the event of a settlement of the Kashmir dispute, a meeting between President Pervez Musharraf and Indian Premier Manmohan Singh in Srinagar might come under consideration.



http://www.hipakistan.com/en/detail....&f_type=source


--------------------

China, Pakistan expect another "milestone" in relationship: Pakistani ambassador

The visit by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao to Pakistan will be another milestone in the history of the two countries' bilateral relations, according to Salman Bashir, Pakistan's ambassador to China.

"The visit is a continuation of the regular high-level exchanges which the leaders of the two friendly countries have maintained over more than 50 years, and the government and people of Pakistan are eagerly awaiting the visit," said Bashir.

Wen will pay an official visit to Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and India from April 5 to 12, with Pakistan as the first stop of his tour. Wen will be present at the 4th foreign ministers' meeting of Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) to be held on April 6 in Islamabad.

"We expect to sign a number of agreements, which would pave the way for enhanced Pakistan-China economic cooperation and strengthen our all round, comprehensive partnership," he said.

Bashir said Pakistan takes great pride in the close friendship and cooperation that the two countries have maintained for over half a century, and that relations between the two nations go back to antiquity when the Silk Road served as a conduit for commerce.

The visit to China by Pakistan Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz not long ago and Wen's coming tour to Pakistan are the continuation of high-level exchanges that are the hallmark of the bilateral ties and a sign of trust and understanding between the two countries, he said.

The ambassador noted Pakistan's desire to further Pakistan- China economic cooperation which is at around three billion dollars at present. "We intend to make our economic and cultural cooperation commensurate with the depth of our strong political relations," he said.

Tourism and interpersonal contact are all the more necessary, he said, adding that Pakistan has been approved as a tourist destination by China. Currently a 100-member youth delegation from China is visiting Pakistan, and the Pakistan youth delegation visited China last year. "We hope to further promote the exchanges between the two peoples," Bashir said.

He expressed gratitude for the support and assistance of China to Pakistan, saying China has always followed the five principles of peaceful co-existence and neighborly policy in its foreign policy, and its interaction with south Asia is "a factor of peace and stability in the region and the world".

Bashir took the post of ambassador only a week ago, but he had visited China several times before. He has been impressed by the progress China has made on economic development.

"China is not only a country; it is a civilization which is over five thousand years old. We take great pride in the transformation that China has undergone," he said.



http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/20...01_179109.html

--------------------
China, Pakistan expect another "milestone" in relationship

www.chinaview.cn 2005-04-01 20:107


BEIJING, April 1 (Xinhuanet) -- The visit by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao to Pakistan will be another milestone in the history of the two countries' bilateral relations, according to Salman Bashir, Pakistan's ambassador to China.

"The visit is a continuation of the regular high-level exchanges which the leaders of the two friendly countries have maintained over more than 50 years, and the government and people of Pakistan are eagerly awaiting the visit," said Bashir.

Wen will pay an official visit to Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and India from April 5 to 12, with Pakistan as the first stop of his tour. Wen will be present at the 4th foreign ministers' meeting of Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) to be held on April 6 in Islamabad.

"We expect to sign a number of agreements, which would pave theway for enhanced Pakistan-China economic cooperation and strengthen our all round, comprehensive partnership," he said.

Bashir said Pakistan takes great pride in the close friendship and cooperation that the two countries have maintained for over half a century, and that relations between the two nations go backto antiquity when the Silk Road served as a conduit for commerce.

The visit to China by Pakistan Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz not long ago and Wen's coming tour to Pakistan are the continuation ofhigh-level exchanges that are the hallmark of the bilateral ties and a sign of trust and understanding between the two countries, he said.

The ambassador noted Pakistan's desire to further Pakistan-China economic cooperation which is at around three billion dollars at present. "We intend to make our economic and cultural cooperation commensurate with the depth of our strong political relations," he said.

Tourism and interpersonal contact are all the more necessary, he said, adding that Pakistan has been approved as a tourist destination by China. Currently a 100-member youth delegation fromChina is visiting Pakistan, and the Pakistan youth delegation visited China last year. "We hope to further promote the exchangesbetween the two peoples," Bashir said.

He expressed gratitude for the support and assistance of China to Pakistan, saying China has always followed the five principles of peaceful co-existence and neighborly policy in its foreign policy, and its interaction with south Asia is "a factor of peace and stability in the region and the world".

Bashir took the post of ambassador only a week ago, but he had visited China several times before. He has been impressed by the progress China has made on economic development.

"China is not only a country; it is a civilization which is over five thousand years old. We take great pride in the transformation that China has undergone," he said. Enditem

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/20...nt_2774702.htm


:PakistanFlag: :ChinaFlag:


--------------------