Pakistan welcomes China's influence in South Asia and its relations with India, considering it as a positive development towards peace and security.
This was stated by Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmood Kasuri in an interview with China Central Television (CCTV), which was telecast on Sunday at its national hook-up.
The interview covered a wide-range of topics of bilateral, regional and international interests, particularly Pakistan's relations with China and India.
When asked to comment on recent developments between India and China towards improvement in their bilateral relations, Kasuri said: "We welcome China's influence in South Asia. We don't believe these developments could affect the time-tested and all weather friendship between Pakistan and China in any manner whatsoever."
In fact, he said if China acquires greater influence in South Asia, it would be conducive for achieving the ultimate goal of establishing peace and security in the region, adding: "We have complete faith in the Chinese leadership."
The foreign minister said when he met the Chinese premier and his Chines counterpart a day before, they termed their relations with Pakistan as unique one, and they repeatedly told him that the only one country in the world to whom they describe as their all-weather friend is Pakistan, assuring nothing could drive a wedge between them.
"We believe in every single word what the Chinese leadership told us. Our faith to this effect is based on our experience. It has proved in the past that China is a true and loyal friend of Pakistan", said Kasuri.
He said: "China is country that fast developing its economy, and we are happy, it is securing major successes in the economic areas. So, we understand China's requirement improving its relations with India, USA and other countries."
Kasuri, however, said in the ultimate analysis Pakistan and China's strategic interests are common, and they are working together taking a similar stand on various regional and international issues aimed at creating a favourable environment for peace and development.
Commenting on certain apprehensions portraying China's rise as threat to other countries, Kasuri said all Pakistanis believe that China's fast economic progress is a very positive development, adding: "The rise of China is not threatening at all. China does not believe in hegemony or expansionism. Its past is a living proof to the fact."
"We believe that China is a true friend of Third World. We don't consider China as threat and the China's conduct has proved that it has been helping a large number of developing countries. Our ultimately judgement is that the rise of China is a positive sign for peace and development, not only for the region, but for the whole world", said Kasuri.
To a question about Pakistan's position on Kashmir and its relations with India, the foreign minister said President Pervez Musharraf is a bold and courageous man, who sincerely believes that it is a high time for both the countries to show flexibility on their stated position.
Pakistan, he said, has taken a large number of CBMs, and wants these should sustain, but the requirement is that there should be composite dialogue on all issues, which have been identified by the two parties.
He reminded that the two countries confronted with war for three times, not on resumption of airlines or rail links, but only on Kashmir. He contented that it is not possible to go on a supersonic speed promoting trade, but on zero speed on Kashmir.
The two sides need to discuss all issues with an open mind and open heart. It is quite possible you go at 100 miles an hour on trade but 60, 70 or 60 miles on Kashmir. But, he asserted it couldn't be on zero mile speed on Kashmir.
In order to maintain sustainability on CBMs, he emphasised that Pakistan has to make progress on all issues listed under the composite dialogue, and it is prepared to show flexibility, hoping India will do the same.
He said: "Pakistan is looking for a solution to issues, which is acceptable to both sides and, most importantly, the people of occupied Kashmir, who should also be associated with the process.
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