Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Sunday said friendship with China is the cornerstone of Pakistan's foreign policy and the strategic relationship between the two countries is a source of peace and stability in the region and the world as well.
He was talking to different Chinese media representatives here at Prime Minister House, before starting his six-day official visit to China from April 16 to 21.
Shaukat Aziz said, "Our friendship has withstood the test of time and the vicissitudes of international relations as it is based on close bilateral co-operation and unanimity of views on major regional and international issues."
He said Pakistan takes great pride in its unique, historic and multifaceted relationship with China, which has emerged as a global power on the international scene.
The Prime Minister said the relationship with China, which covers diplomatic, political, economic, defence, security, energy, trade, investment, science and technology, educational, cultural fields and people-to-people contacts, is marked by full mutual trust and all-round bilateral co-operation.
He said, "Our relationship is based on solid foundations as it is inspired by the understanding, affection and affinities that exist between the people of the two countries."
The Prime Minister told the Chinese media that Pakistan is desirous of expanding the people-to-people contacts with China through increased exchange of cultural delegations, students and tourists.
He said his visit to China will take the relationship of the two countries to higher level of co-operation and understanding. The Prime Minister appreciated the decision of China to set up its first industrial zone in Lahore, out of the six zones being set up in different parts of the world.
Shaukat Aziz said Pakistan is delighted to have China as an Observer in Saarc and expressed the hope that it would get benefit from the progress and development of China for the benefit of the population in the South Asia.
He said Saarc has not performed its potential adding that solving the disputes between the members of the Saarc could make it more productive and useful organisation.
Appreciating Chinese co-operation and assistance in various projects in Pakistan, the PM said, "We believe in free trade and welcome investors from any part of the world."
Giving details of economic success in Pakistan, the Prime Minister said the economy has been improving rapidly and the economic growth is between 7 to 8 percent while this year foreign direct investment will exceed over six billion dollar mark.
Referring to his visit to China, the Prime Minister said it will also be helpful in setting up Joint Economic Commission for the benefit of the business community of the two countries.
Giving details of his visit to China he said over 25 agreements and memorandum of understandings would be signed at government to government level while many, more will be signed by the private sector separately.
He said his visit is on the invitation of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, he will exchange views to further promote political, economic, diplomatic and other relations between the two countries. The Prime Minister said Pakistan and China are all-weather and time-tested friends.
He told the Chinese media that he will meet Chief Executives of various leading corporations of China during his stay in Bejing. Shaukat said he will also visit Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province of China, where he will inaugurate new Consulate General of Pakistan and will visit Air Design Complex of China.
Shaukat Aziz said he will also visit Boao where he will be a keynote speaker at the Boao Economic Forum for Asia.
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