Speaker National Assembly Chaudhry Amir Hussain said Sino-Pak strategic partnership contributes towards peace and development in the region and meets the aspirations of their people. In an interview with Peoples Daily during his stay in Beijing, he said the two countries hold similar position on various regional and international issues.
To a question about Sino-Pak co-operation to fight terrorism, Hussain said they are maintaining closely contacts with each other to combat the terrorist activities. Our security agencies have agreements for exchange of information in counter-terrorism. Recently, our two armed forces also conducted joint exercise to strengthen anti-terrorism operation, he added.
Pakistan is in the forefront of the fight against international terrorism. Our efforts have been acknowledged and appreciated by the international community, including China.
To another questions he lauded the socio-economic policies of President Pervez Musharraf and said these have put the country on the road of progress and prosperity.
He said the National Assembly has allowed the President to retain his post of Army Chief in order to strengthen his hands in carrying forward his policies. He said Pakistan needs political stability and peace in the region to pursue economic development.
President Musharraf's policies are based on progressive vision for the country. Under his leadership, Pakistan's economy has shown remarkable growth. These policies, he added also helped to improve security situation in the country.
Meanwhile, Amir Hussain and members of his delegation arrived in Urumqi and held talks with Abdurehim Amet, Chairman of the Standing Committee of Xinjiang Peoples Congress.
Later, official sources told APP that the two sides held useful talks and discussed future prospects of enhancing trade between Pakistan and the Xinjiang region. It was noted that the China western region can act as a bridge promoting China's trade with Pakistan and other neighbouring countries as well as the Central Asian States.
Hussain said there is a wide-scope to take joint ventures for development of mineral and communication sectors. He hoped Pakistan's major prominent companies will establish their representative offices in the western region to find out areas of common interest.
Abdurehim Amet said that the Xinjiang region attaches great important to its economic relations with Pakistan. We will welcome of our Pakistani brothers to take part in the economic activities in the region for their mutual benefits, he added.