Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Tuesday said President Asif Ali Zardari's first ever bilateral visit to China would open up new avenues of co-operation between the two countries. He expressed these views while talking to Chna's Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei and Special Envoy of China, who called on him here on Tuesday.
While recalling the valuable contributions of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto Shaheed in nurturing Pak-China friendship, Gilani said this friendship is a factor of peace and stability in the region. These bilateral relations, he said, have matured into a comprehensive strategic co-operative partnership, which is of great importance for Pakistan's security, economic development and vital for defending interests of both the countries.
He said China always stood by Pakistan at every critical juncture and had proved itself to be a friend even in difficult circumstances. He underscored the need for more co-operation in the field of nuclear power generation, which is extremely important for the economic development of Pakistan.
The prime minister also hoped to visit China next month to attend Asem Summit. While discussing the issue of terrorism, he said that Pakistan remains committed to fighting this menace as Pakistan has also become a target of inhuman, heinous and senseless acts of terrorism.
He said Pakistan is trying to get rid of this menace by pursuing a multi-pronged strategy of political dialogue, socio-economic uplift of the affected regions and military action as a last option where unavoidable. Gilani also assured Wu Dawei of Pakistan government's focused efforts for securing safe and early release of the kidnapped Chinese engineers.
The prime minister extended an invitation to the Chinese premier to visit Pakistan in the near future and asked the Chinese vice foreign minister to convey his invitation to the Chinese premier.
He underlined that the visit of Chinese premier at this juncture would be symbolic and reflect the solidarity of the people and the government of China with Pakistan in its difficulties. Wu Dawei said that his country is proud of having a friend like Pakistan and is keenly waiting for the visits of the President and the Prime Minister of Pakistan to China next month.
He reaffirmed China's unequivocal support for Pakistan in all facets of the bilateral relations and assured the prime minister of Chinese government's resolve to forge ahead with the Pak-China strategic partnership.