Pakistan and China on Sunday agreed to further strengthen their bilateral relations, economic ties and co-operation in various fields. It was agreed during the meeting of Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing with Pakistan's Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmood Kasuri here at Foreign Office.
Talking to reporters, Foreign Minister Khurshid Kasuri along with his Chinese counterpart following the meeting, said there was complete unanimity of views between the two countries on bilateral, regional and international issues.
He said both the countries would sign agreements to establish Joint Investment Company, University of Engineering and Science and Technology and Media University in Pakistan during the forthcoming visit of Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz to China in the second week of April.
Kasuri said: "We welcome China's entry to Saarc as an observer" and added it has elevated the profile of the organisation. "We are confident that China would play an important role in the association," he added. Referring to Pak-China long lasting, time-tested and all weather friendship, Kasuri said Pakistan holds the Chinese leaders and people in high esteem.
"Our bilateral relations are excellent, which over a period of half a century, have deepened further to the benefit of our two people," he said. Kasuri said during the talks with his counterpart today, besides discussing future co-operation in different fields, he especially mentioned about 55th anniversary of establishment of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations and celebrations held last year by organising various events throughout the year.
He said the high point of anniversary celebrations was the exchange of the visits of President Pervez Musharraf to China in June 2006 and President Hu Jintao to Pakistan in November last year.
The Foreign Minister said he expressed his deep appreciation for China's valuable support for its assistance on several economic projects of great national significance, including Gwadar Port and Gwadar International Airport.
Kasuri said: "I am confident that the joint five year programme for trade and economic co-operation and Free Trade Agreement between the two countries will strengthen significantly our economic relations."
He said Pakistan's first satellite was launched with the help of Chinese assistance and co-operation. The Chinese Foreign Minister said Pakistan and China are all-weather friends and partners in co-operation, with common interest for regional progress and prosperity.
He said China wanted to take Sino-Pak relations, economic development and diplomatic relations to new heights. The Chinese Foreign Minister while replying to question said China has already been helping Pakistan in various fields including science and technology.