Beijing, June 29: Emphasising that all South Asian countries should cooperate in combating terrorism, China today said that it stood for reconciliation between India and Pakistan through dialogue to have peace in the region. During a meeting here with visiting newly appointed Pakistani deputy foreign minister Inam-ul Haq, Chinese foreign minister Tang Jiaxuan said that the fight against terrorism needs cooperation of all South Asian countries on the basis of equality and mutual respect. He appealed to India and Pakistan to resume talks and said that the international community and the UN Security Council have reached a consensus on averting a conflict in South Asia over the Kashmir issue. China, he said, hopes Pakistan and India can restore dialogue as early as possible so as to ease the tension between them.
Tang said that the international community, including the Security Council has reached a consensus on preventing an Indo-Pak conflict and maintaining stability in Kashmir. In dealing with issues concerning Indo-Pak relations, China, a close ally of Pakistan, he said, always aims at maintaining peace and stability in the region and will continue to make active efforts to this purpose, the official Xinhua news agency reported.
Chinese vice-premier Qian Qichen told Haq yesterday that Beijing stood for reconciliation between India and Pakistan and will contribute to peace and stability in South Asia. He said that the risk of conflict still remained inspite of recent signs of easing of the Indo-Pak tension.
Bureau Report