Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing said that his country would continue to strengthen its strategic partnership with Pakistan in all areas of common interest.
During his meeting held here with 31-member delegation of Pakistan National Defence College (NDC), he said, "China attaches high importance to its relations with Pakistan, which spread over half a century and stood the test of the time."
The delegation, led by Lieutenant General Tariq Waseem Ghazi, was currently on a three-day visit to China. It included some members of the Parliament and provincial assemblies.
The Chinese foreign minister referred to the joint declaration signed by the two countries last year that reaffirms their strong resolve pushing forward their all-round partnership.
Li briefed the Pakistan's delegation about China's economic development and the challenges it would be facing in future. He said China's foreign policy is based on mutual trust and respect, aimed at promoting peace, security and development.
Lieutenant General Tariq Waseem thanked the Chinese government for its support to Pakistan on regional and intentional affairs. Pakistan, he added highly appreciates China's role in the region for peace and development.
In Pakistan, he said, "we consider China's rapid progress in various fields as their own strengthened. He hoped that China-Pakistan co-operative partnership would continue to develop in the years to come.
GOOD FRIENDS: The delegation also called on Chinese Defence Minister Cao Gangchuan Cao, who said, "China and Pakistan are good friends."
"The friendly co-operative relations between two armies have kept good momentum in recent years, despite changes of the international situation, he said, adding, "the Sino-Pakistani friendship is deep-rooted in the hearts of the two peoples."
Ghazi said that frequent exchanges of military academies have contributed to the development of friendly co-operative relations between the two armies and two countries.
The members of the delegation also visited Pakistan's embassy, where they were given comprehensive briefing by ambassador Riaz Mohammad Khan on the latest developments in Sino-Pak relations and China's rapid progress in various fields.