Spokesman Hong Lei expressed these views when asked to comment on the handing over of Gwadar port operation to China in a ceremony held in Islamabad Monday.

Hong pointed out that China and Pakistan are friendly neighbours.  Over the years, Chinese companies have actively been taking part in the construction of various projects in different fields, he added.

"The operation of the port is a new project in China-Pakistan business cooperation," he said adding it is also "part of bilateral and mutually beneficial cooperation."

Hong continued saying such cooperation is in the interest of both the countries and their people.

It is also conducive for the regional pace and development, he noted.

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2013