China appreciates President Pervez Musharraf's vision of transforming Pakistan into a modern, moderate and enlightened Islamic state. This was stated by China's Vice Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his meeting with Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed held here on Monday.
He noted that President Musharraf took strong and bold decisions in war on terrorism that highly improved Pakistan's image in the comity of the nations, saying Pakistan now enjoys a very important position, especially in the Muslim world.
Sheikh Rashid who arrived here on Monday morning at the head of 11-member media delegation briefed the Chinese side about the efforts, being made by President Musharraf and his government for promoting peace and development in the region.
Later, he told APP that he held very positive and useful talks with Chinese vice foreign minister. This, he said, helped promote understanding and co-operation on various matters of bilateral, regional and international interest.
Wang Yi praised Pakistan's efforts for improving its relations with India, and hoped that the two countries would succeed in settling their outstanding disputes, including the issue of Kashmir through a dialogue process.
China is looking forward to solution to the Kashmir problem, which could be acceptable to both Pakistan and India, he said, adding: "We are prepared to facilitate the peace process."
While highlighting Pakistan's position on anti-terror war, Sheikh Rashid said that President Musharraf gave a personal commitment to combating the terrorist activities with full force, adding: "We are actively engaged in building an Islamic welfare state, laying greater emphasis on the economic development.
Wang Yi said Pakistan and China have developed strong friendship over the years. The two countries, he said, shared many things in common, despite their cultural and ethnic differences.
He said he had visited Pakistan many times, and he had himself been part of the process, consolidating Sino-Pak friendship, adding the trust and confidence in their relationship is unique one.
Wang Yi noted that the two countries strengthened their co-operation at the regional and international levels in the recent years.
Reciprocating the sentiments of friendship, Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said Pakistan was improving its economy and China's role has been laudable in this regard, and added that China is playing a remarkable role in the Asian region for rapid economic progress.
The minister said Pakistan is highly indebted to China for its assistance in carrying out some major development projects like Gwadar port and Chashma power plant.
The two ministers also spoke about important role of the media, bringing the two countries further closer to each other. They hoped that the media would continue to promote a friendly environment as well as positive image of the two countries.
Appreciating China's foreign policy, Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said Pakistan has a lot of respect for the Five Principles of peaceful co-existence that were introduced by China, adding: "We wish to uphold and follow the spirit of these principles, which had been the source of peace and friendship."
Wang Yi, in his remarks, also said China was glad to see Pakistan's entry into Asean Regional Forum adding: "We are confident that Pakistan will be playing an important role in the regional fora for realising common objectives.
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