Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed on Friday said that Pakistan's alliance with USA, or any other country or group would not affect its deep-rooted ties with China, in any manner whatsoever.
"China will remain the corner-stone of our foreign policy, and they will continue work together, taking identical position on various regional and international issues," he said here while talking to APP.
Rashid who led a media delegation to China termed his talks with the Chinese leaders as highly successful in fostering their all-seasoned and time-tested friendship.
He said Pakistan wished to develop close collaboration with China in regional forums, like Asean and Boao forum for Asia.
To a question, the minister said Pakistan will welcome China's inclusion in Saarc. China, he added, is an emerging supper power and its leading or active role in the regional organisations will make the Asian countries more stronger in the economic field.Pakistan, he said, is also looking forward to join Shanghai Co-operation Organisation, which has now emerged as another important forum in Asia for promoting peace and development.
Replying to a question, Rashid said Pakistan is glad to see improvement of China's relations with India. "We believe this development will be conducive for peace and collective well-being of the regional countries," he added.
About Sino-Pakistan ties, he further said the two countries have already established excellent political and diplomatic relations.
"Now we want to focus our attention on translating these ties for the economic benefits of our people." Pakistan, he said wished to have free trade arrangements with China, and hoped necessary steps would be taken to this direction. This, he said would benefit both the countries.
He proposed that the private sector of the two countries should develop maximum interaction to enhance the existing volume of trade. They, he emphasised should undertake joint ventures for establishing export-oriented industries.
Rashid said his visit and talks with the Chinese leaders proved very productive to enhance media relations in the fields of radio, television and films.
The two countries, he said would soon sign formal agreements to bring substantial improvement in their relations in the media affairs.
He said Chinese Information Minister and other high-ups will soon visit Pakistan to develop common strategy for media development.
The two sides, he said have agreed to join hands in countering hostile propaganda by the vested interests in the world.
Media, he said is an important weapon and needs to be used effectively for properly projecting their national position on various regional and international issues.
The minister said his meeting with the top-ranking leader of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Liu Yunshan was very fruitful for promotion understanding and co-operation in the areas of bilateral interests.
They decided to take all possible measures for strengthening their media network, ensuring unbiased and objective media coverage of various important events and developments.
During his stay in Xi'an, the minister met the local leaders. He also visited the emperor Qin's museum. It was regarded as the most grandiose archaeological discovery of the 20th century. He also visited famous historical mosque in the city.