Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari
on Wednesday emphasised the importance of enhanced cooperation
between Pakistan and China in the fields of connectivity,
agriculture, energy and irrigation.
Zardari made the remarks during a meeting with
visiting Chinese Vice-Premier Zhang Dejiang.
Welcoming the Chinese delegation, Zardari said
Pakistan considered its ties with China as its most important
bilateral relationship.
Both countries enjoy "complete trust, mutual
understanding and convergence of views on all bilateral,
regional and international issues", Zardari said.
This relationship is "all-weather and
all-encompassing", he added.
Pakistan also supports the "One China" policy and both
countries are cooperating in the areas of security and
counter-terrorism, Zardari said.
He also thanked China for its support to Pakistan's
economic development.
Zhang expressed the hope that his visit would lead to
further development of the strategic partnership between the
two countries.
A statement issued by the Foreign Office said Pakistan
considers China to be a factor of stability in the region and
beyond.
The two countries will continue working together for
regional peace and prosperity, it said.
Zhang is in Islamabad on a two-day official visit
during which he will also meet Prime Minister Yousuf Raza
Gilani and army chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani.
Zardari also awarded the Hilal-i-Pakistan, one of the
country's highest honours, to the Chinese Vice Premier.
PTI
First Published: Wednesday, June 09, 2010, 20:17