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Pak assures China of continued friendship
Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf, trying to balance old allies with new responsibilities, said on Thursday he still views China as `our trusted friend,` even as Pakistan develops closer ties with Washington.
Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf, trying to balance old allies with new responsibilities, said on Thursday he still views China as "our trusted friend," even as Pakistan develops closer ties with Washington.
Making his first visit to China since he threw his support behind the US-led war against terrorism, Musharraf told Chinese President Jiang Zemin that close relations with Beijing are "the cornerstone of Pakistan's foreign policy."
"China has been our trusted friend and our relationship has remained time-tested," Musharraf said. "We are very positive that in the future, also, this relationship, this strategic association and relationship will continue."
China has endorsed the US-led war against the Taliban in Afghanistan and the suspected terrorists they harboured. But Beijing also is uneasy about the sudden US military buildup on its western flank in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Central Asian republics -- regions Beijing regards as key to its security. Musharraf has helped the US-led international coalition with intelligence, military bases and other logistics support.
At the start of their talks, before reporters were ushered from the room, Jiang did not refer to Pakistan's role in the war but welcomed Musharraf as an old friend. "You've made positive contributions to the development of friendly relations and co-operation between our two countries and peoples. We highly appreciate that," Jiang said. "Your visit will serve to vigorously advance our comprehensive partnership."
Later, Jiang and Musharraf presided over the signing of seven economic agreements. They covered power projects, a joint research and development fund, and Chinese loans for copper and gold mining in Pakistan, and for a Pakistani ministry that oversees affairs in the disputed Kashmir region.
Afghanistan's post-Taliban government was among regional issues that Musharraf also planned to discuss with Jiang, Premier Zhu Rongji and other Chinese leaders, according to Pakistan foreign minister Abdul Sattar.
Musharraf's visit to China, a key provider of military hardware and technology to Pakistan, comes amid renewed tensions between Pakistan and India following an attack on the Indian Parliament last week.
Bureau Report
Making his first visit to China since he threw his support behind the US-led war against terrorism, Musharraf told Chinese President Jiang Zemin that close relations with Beijing are "the cornerstone of Pakistan's foreign policy."
"China has been our trusted friend and our relationship has remained time-tested," Musharraf said. "We are very positive that in the future, also, this relationship, this strategic association and relationship will continue."
China has endorsed the US-led war against the Taliban in Afghanistan and the suspected terrorists they harboured. But Beijing also is uneasy about the sudden US military buildup on its western flank in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Central Asian republics -- regions Beijing regards as key to its security. Musharraf has helped the US-led international coalition with intelligence, military bases and other logistics support.
At the start of their talks, before reporters were ushered from the room, Jiang did not refer to Pakistan's role in the war but welcomed Musharraf as an old friend. "You've made positive contributions to the development of friendly relations and co-operation between our two countries and peoples. We highly appreciate that," Jiang said. "Your visit will serve to vigorously advance our comprehensive partnership."
Later, Jiang and Musharraf presided over the signing of seven economic agreements. They covered power projects, a joint research and development fund, and Chinese loans for copper and gold mining in Pakistan, and for a Pakistani ministry that oversees affairs in the disputed Kashmir region.
Afghanistan's post-Taliban government was among regional issues that Musharraf also planned to discuss with Jiang, Premier Zhu Rongji and other Chinese leaders, according to Pakistan foreign minister Abdul Sattar.
Musharraf's visit to China, a key provider of military hardware and technology to Pakistan, comes amid renewed tensions between Pakistan and India following an attack on the Indian Parliament last week.
Bureau Report