China assures Pakistan of `complete support' on regional, int'l
issues

By Shumaila Andleeb

TIANJIN, China, Sept 11 (APP): China on Tuesday said it
completely supports Pakistan on all its regional and international
issues.
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao reiterated the stance of his
government of supporting the sovereignty and integrity of Pakistan
when he met Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf here on the sidelines
of World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting of New Champions 2012.
The two leaders reaffirmed their governments' resolve to
further strengthen ties in diverse fields particularly trade and
defence.
The first official meeting between the two leaders that was
scheduled for 25 minutes lasted for 40 minutes.
The two sides noted that Pakistan and China share similar
views on important regional and global issues and would continue to
extend support to each other at all levels.
Prime Minister Raja Ashraf and the Chinese premier discussed
a whole gamut of issues ranging from bilateral ties, defence
cooperation, infrastructure development, energy, agriculture and
banking.
The Prime Minister said Pakistan attaches great importance to
enhancing economic and trade links with China which include
promoting closer collaboration in projects on energy,
telecommunication and railways.
Chinese Premier Wen welcomed the Prime Minister on undertaking
his first official visit to China and said it reflected the level of
Pak-China friendship and the importance Pakistan gives to China. He
conveyed best wishes for President Asif Ali Zardari and for the
Pakistani people.
He said China considers Pakistan its friend and underscored
the importance of time-tested strategic partnership between the two
countries.
He expressed appreciation for Pakistan's role in fight against
terrorism and extremism and called for greater international
recognition of its efforts and sacrifices in this regard.
Both the leaders were of the view that the two nations were
opposed to terrorism and would continue to cooperate with each other
to eliminate this threat.
Prime Minister Raja Ashraf sought investment by Chinese
companies in Pakistan's various areas and stressed the need for
making efforts to realize full potential of bilateral trade. He
termed the Chinese assistance in carrying out mega projects in
Pakistan as significant. He said it was high time to address the
global economic crisis and find ways to counter its impact on
growing economies.
The Chinese Premier stressed upon regional approach for
resolving regional issues and said it was in the benefit of the
people of all countries.
The two sides agreed on exploiting full potential of the two
business communities to boost their economy and trade. They renewed
their focus on achieving the target of 15 billion dollar bilateral
trade.
It was agreed that China would support the National Bank of
Pakistan to launch the financial bonds worth 6.5 billion Renminbi in
China.
Prime Minister Ashraf was told that the machinery from China
to carry out work at Ata Abad Lake would reach Pakistan in October.
Finance Minister Dr Abdul Hafeez Sheikh and Foreign Secretary
Jalil Abbas Jilani assisted the Prime Minister. China's Vice Foreign
minister, Trade Minister and Tianjin's mayor were present.
Earlier on his arrival at the State Guest House, Prime
Minister Raja Ashraf was warmly received by Premier Wen Jiabao. Both
the leaders shook hands and exchanged greetings. Prime Minister
Ashraf introduced to Premier Wen the members of his delegation
including Finance minister and senior officials.